Kate Middleton, In Recovery From Cancer, Pulls Out Of Key Royal Event
Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is recovering from cancer, has pulled out of attending the Royal Ascot race meeting, her Kensington Palace office said on Wednesday.
The famed sporting event in Berkshire in southern England is a key event in the royal calendar.
Catherine, also known as Kate, would not be attending Royal Ascot with her husband Prince William, King Charles III and Queen Camilla as she continued to "find the right balance following her battle with cancer" the domestic Press Association news agency added.
The 43-year-old future queen has been making a gradual return to public duties since she announced she was cancer free in September 2024.
In March that year, the mother-of-three revealed she was undergoing a course of "preventative chemotherapy" for an undisclosed cancer.
Kate, who in January revealed she was in remission, was said to be disappointed not to able to attend Royal Ascot, a renowned social and sporting occasion for which the royal family come out in force.
The annual five-day race meeting was said to be the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite sporting event.
Royal Ascot begins each day of the week with the Royal Procession, a historic tradition in which the monarch and various accompanying members of the royal family arrive along the track in horse-drawn carriages.
They then watch the racing from the exclusive Royal Enclosure.
The enclosure operates a strict dress code of top hats and morning coats -- jackets with a long "tail" -- for men and hats and knee-length or longer dresses or skirts for women.
Charles, 76, has also faced his own cancer battle.
The king announced in early 2024 that he too had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer.
He has since returned to public duties, but is still undergoing treatment.
Catherine on Saturday appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the rest of the royal family following Charles's annual birthday parade.
On Monday she was photographed attending an official royal event at St George's Chapel on the royal family's Windsor estate, west of London.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
12 hours ago
- NDTV
Kate Middleton, In Recovery From Cancer, Pulls Out Of Key Royal Event
Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is recovering from cancer, has pulled out of attending the Royal Ascot race meeting, her Kensington Palace office said on Wednesday. The famed sporting event in Berkshire in southern England is a key event in the royal calendar. Catherine, also known as Kate, would not be attending Royal Ascot with her husband Prince William, King Charles III and Queen Camilla as she continued to "find the right balance following her battle with cancer" the domestic Press Association news agency added. The 43-year-old future queen has been making a gradual return to public duties since she announced she was cancer free in September 2024. In March that year, the mother-of-three revealed she was undergoing a course of "preventative chemotherapy" for an undisclosed cancer. Kate, who in January revealed she was in remission, was said to be disappointed not to able to attend Royal Ascot, a renowned social and sporting occasion for which the royal family come out in force. The annual five-day race meeting was said to be the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite sporting event. Royal Ascot begins each day of the week with the Royal Procession, a historic tradition in which the monarch and various accompanying members of the royal family arrive along the track in horse-drawn carriages. They then watch the racing from the exclusive Royal Enclosure. The enclosure operates a strict dress code of top hats and morning coats -- jackets with a long "tail" -- for men and hats and knee-length or longer dresses or skirts for women. Charles, 76, has also faced his own cancer battle. The king announced in early 2024 that he too had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer. He has since returned to public duties, but is still undergoing treatment. Catherine on Saturday appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the rest of the royal family following Charles's annual birthday parade. On Monday she was photographed attending an official royal event at St George's Chapel on the royal family's Windsor estate, west of London.
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Kate Middleton backs out of Royal Ascot last minute, here's why
The Princess of Wales backed out of attending Royal Ascot at the last minute as she continues to 'find the right balance' in her return to public life after her cancer diagnosis, according to a Daily Mail report. Kate Middleton was 'disappointed' to miss the well-known social and sporting event in Berkshire, where she had planned to join her husband, Prince William, along with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Racegoers had been hoping to see her, especially since Prince William was scheduled to present race prizes during the second day of the meet. Also Read: Kate Middleton shines in cream as she joins William, King and Queen at Garter Day after cancer treatment: Photos Ascot officials had confirmed at 12 p.m. that the Princess would appear in the second carriage of the royal procession, alongside Prince William. But shortly before 12:30 pm, Kensington Palace announced she would not attend, and Ascot quickly released an updated carriage list. The Princess was 'disappointed' not to attend, 'but she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements,' per the outlet. While Kate missed the event, her mother, Carole Middleton, did attend, along with her daughter-in-law Alizée Thevenet, the wife of Kate's brother James Middleton. Kate, 43, has been easing back into royal duties since revealing in January that she was in remission. Over the past week, she made public appearances at Trooping the Colour, the Order of the Garter service, and a visit to the V&A storage facility in London. On Monday, she was seen at the Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, where she appeared in good spirits. Meanwhile, the King and Queen attended Royal Ascot on Tuesday, hosting guests in the royal box. Among them were the King's nephew, Peter Phillips, and his girlfriend, NHS nurse Harriet Sperling, who made her first appearance in the royal carriage procession.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- NDTV
Why Forest Bathing Is A Wellness Trend In Focus
In March 2024, when Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, revealed in a video that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer - a revelation shook the world. However, a year later, Kate shared that she is now in remission. On May 20, she made her first appearance at a Buckingham Palace garden party, where she helped host the event. Over the past year, Kate has opened up about various aspects of her journey and the many things that have helped her get through it - from chemotherapy to surgeries. But beyond medical treatment, Kate has also offered glimpses into what seems like forest bathing. "Don't forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease," she shared in one of her posts. The accompanying picture showed her standing beneath a willow tree in Windsor, gazing up at the sky. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales) Kate has often posted photos of herself surrounded by nature and forested landscapes - a practice that's becoming increasingly popular, inspired by the Japanese tradition known as Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. So why is this trend gaining traction now, and what exactly does it involve? Let's find out. What Is Forest Bathing? Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explains that forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is about spending quiet, mindful time in a natural setting - usually a forest. "It's not about intense hiking or physical activity," says Dr Tayal. "Instead, it's about slowing down, tuning into your senses, and connecting with nature." The idea of forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980s, as a response to the rising stress and disconnection caused by urban lifestyles. The term was coined by Tomohide Akiyama, then Director of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. The practice encourages individuals to immerse themselves in forest environments to enhance their overall well-being. Though popularised in the 1980s, the notion of healing through nature has much deeper roots in Japanese culture. Spiritual traditions like Shugendo, practised by mountain ascetics, highlight the sacredness of nature. According Dr Tayal, the practice is gaining popularity across the globe, and scientific research increasingly supports its positive effects on health and well-being. Dr Urvi Maheshwari, Internal Medicine expert at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, adds that forest bathing is trending in India too. "Various studies have shown that walking in nature is beneficial for both physical and mental health," she says. It seems what Japan discovered in the 1980s, the world is yearning for today - a pause from the relentless pace of modern life. Benefits Of Forest Bathing NDTV spoke to several experts to understand whether forest bathing is backed by science or just another fleeting trend. Lowers Cortisol Levels Dr Tayal explains that time spent in nature helps reduce stress. "Research shows that being in forests lowers cortisol - the stress hormone - and helps calm your heart rate and blood pressure," he says. This calming effect is tied to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and balance. Enhances Mental Health Dr Maheshwari notes that forest bathing can reduce anxiety, stress, and symptoms of depression. "It boosts mood, improves focus, aids sleep, encourages emotional stability, and brings mental clarity," she says. You can invite your partner to join you in forest bathing too. Photo: Unsplash Dr Tayal agrees. He adds, "Those who practise forest bathing often feel more relaxed and content. Nature helps us slow down, breathe deeply, and be present-something that naturally lifts mental well-being." Neurological Benefits Dr Manish Chhabria, senior consultant in neurology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, highlights the neurological advantages. "Nature exposure through forest bathing has been linked to better cognitive function and reduced stress," says Dr Chhabria. He notes that it can enhance memory, attention, and creativity. "Forest environments reduce stress hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. Regular exposure also supports improved focus and problem-solving skills," he adds. Boosts The Immune System Dr Tayal points out that forest bathing can strengthen the immune system. "Trees release compounds called phytoncides. When we breathe these in, our immune cells-particularly natural killer cells - become more active. This may help fight viruses and reduce the risk of illness," he says. Improves Your Sleep Cycle Spending time outdoors, especially in natural light and away from screens, helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm. "This makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep," adds Dr Tayal. How To Do Forest Bathing The Right Way Unlike hiking or jogging, forest bathing is a slow, sensory experience that encourages mindfulness. It's about being present in the moment and absorbing your natural surroundings. Here's a simple guide to get started: Choose a quiet natural space - a forest, park, or garden. The key is to find a spot rich in greenery and low in noise. Silence your devices to minimise distractions. Walk slowly and attentively. Observe the colours, textures, sounds, and scents around you. Engage your senses. Touch tree bark, listen to birdsong, inhale the earthy air. Breathe deeply and allow nature's calm to settle within you. In A Nutshell Forest bathing offers a chance to unplug from daily stress and reconnect with the present. It encourages mindfulness, reduces mental fatigue, and fosters a sense of inner peace - something people in the 21st century need more than ever.
