Kate Middleton posts funny St. Patrick’s Day Instagram post as she misses parade after surgery

The Princess of Wales has posted a message to mark St Patrick’s Day as she missed Ireland’s national celebration day for the first time in years due to her ongoing health problems.

Kate was forced to miss this year’s show as she continues to recover from abdominal surgery she underwent in January.

She became an honorary colonel of the Irish Guards last year, but was not present at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, on Sunday. As well as missing the 2016 celebrations, Kate has attended every parade since 2012.

In a message posted on X From the Prince and Princess of Wales’ account, the couple wrote: “Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here’s a look at the @irish_guards rehearsing for their annual parade. Congratulations to everyone celebrating today!”

The post was published alongside a video featuring the Irish Guards.

The princess has been the subject of conspiracy theories about her health in recent weeks, but she is recovering away from the public eye at her Windsor home.

Despite her absence, the Irish Guards paid tribute to their absent colonel, giving three cheers for the princess.

The British Army in London posted on X: “In keeping with tradition wherever they are in the world, the @irish_guards give a warm round of applause to the Colonel of the Regiment HRH The Princess of Wales at their St Patrick’s Day parade in Aldershot.”

They removed their bearskin headdresses before giving three cheers of “hip hip hooray.”

Last year, Kate was pictured in the rain handing the Army’s canine mascot Seamus the traditional sprig of shamrock, before enjoying a glass of Guinness with the troops.

It was the first time in almost a year that a full contingent of Irish Guards had assembled for a parade, the last being the king’s coronation in May 2023, according to the army.

The message comes as close friends of Kate have said The Sunday Times that she can discuss her health issues at a later date.

The mother-of-three has faced widespread speculation about her condition in recent weeks and faced further fury following an altered family photo posted on Mother’s Day.

Those close to Kate and the Prince of Wales say the couple will reveal more information about their recovery in due course, according to The Sunday Timeswho reports that his return is expected after April 17.

A source told the newspaper: “They are more open when interacting with the public and I can imagine a world where the princess could discuss her recovery at her engagements. If she had to, that’s how she would do it.”

It comes as another friend told the same newspaper that Kate had edited the infamous Mother’s Day photo because she was trying to make her family “look the best they can”.

The photo released by Kensington Palace was removed with a “kill” warning by international photo agencies and the British PA news agency after concerns were raised about a missing section of Princess Charlotte’s sleeve and the misaligned edge of her skirt.

A source said The Sunday Times:”It’s a photo she knew everyone would look at carefully, so she studied it herself. She likes to try to make the family look as beautiful as possible.”

It has also been reported that the ordeal will not stop the mother-of-three from taking and sharing photos to mark her children’s birthdays.

Prince Louis turns six on April 23 and sources close to the couple told The Sunday Times that no “firm decision” has yet been made on whether Kate will be behind the camera.

“They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public desire to see them on their birthday,” an aide told the newspaper.