Why Kate was a last-minute no show at Royal Ascot

The Princess of Wales has pulled out of attending Royal Ascot at the last minute as she continues to “find the right balance” in her return to public life following cancer treatment.

Kate was expected to attend the high-profile racing event in Berkshire on Wednesday alongside Prince William and King Charles, and Queen Camilla.

Royal Ascot officials had even listed her in the second carriage of the royal procession, which parades through the racecourse each day.

But just 30 minutes later, Kensington Palace confirmed she would not be attending. A revised carriage list was issued by the Ascot organisers.

It is understood that the 43-year-old was disappointed to cancel the appearance, but is taking a “measured approach” to public engagements as she continues her recovery, shared the Daily Mail.

Her mother, Carole Middleton, was in attendance, seen wearing a dress by British label ME+EM, and joined by her daughter-in-law, Alizee Thevenet, who is married to Kate’s brother James Middleton.

Despite not appearing today, the Princess has stepped back into the public eye in recent days, attending Trooping the Colour, the Order of the Garter service, and a private visit to a V&A storage facility in London.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Ascot smiling, joined by Prince William, who had been set to travel in the following coach with Kate.

The King and Queen are hoping for a better result from their horse, Rainbows Edge, which is the favourite in the Kensington Palace Stakes. Their runner, Reaching High, was beaten in the Ascot Stakes the day before.

Kate has been gradually returning to royal duties after revealing earlier this year she was in remission from cancer. She had been receiving chemotherapy since February 2023.

In an emotional video message in September, she described the past nine months as “incredibly tough for us as a family” and said staying cancer-free was now her priority.

Prince William has also spoken about the difficult year, describing 2024 as “brutal.”

On Tuesday, the King and Queen welcomed guests, including Peter Phillips and his partner Harriet Sperling, at Ascot, continuing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s long-standing association with the event. Other royals spotted included Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson, and Zara and Mike Tindall.

Princess Kate’s last appearance was on Monday at the Order of the Garter ceremony, where she laughed and chatted with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle. She was dressed in a Self Portrait outfit and a wide-brimmed hat by Sean Barrett.

She and Sophie appeared in good spirits, sharing a moment of laughter as the Garter procession passed.

Prince William, dressed in ceremonial regalia, looked towards the porch where Kate and Sophie were watching.

The royal family waved to crowds during the traditional carriage procession, just days after participating in Trooping the Colour celebrations.

While the Princess of Wales was absent from Ascot today, her recent string of public appearances has marked a promising and welcome return to royal duties.