Kate Middleton skips Prince William's annual polo match days after revealing her ‘new normal'
The Princess of Wales, 43, was absent from her husband Prince William's charity polo match on Friday.
The Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2025 took place at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor and raised money for various charities and causes.
8 Prince William during The Royal Charity Polo Cup 2025 at Guards Polo Club.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
For the Prince of Wales, 43, this year's match marks his 14th time playing for the cup. This time around, the event is expected to raise more than $19 million.
Middleton last attended the polo match in July 2023, where she supported her husband from the sidelines.
8 The Prince of Wales holds the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2025.
Aaron Chown/PA Images/INSTARimages
8 Prince William plays in the polo match.
Aaron Chown/PA Images/INSTARimages
Last year, Princess Kate missed the match, as she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
In March 2024, the philanthropist revealed she was being treated for an undisclosed type of cancer.
Middleton kept largely out of the spotlight in the months that followed. In September, the royal member thanked those who supported her during the difficult journey.
8 The Prince Of Wales attended the polo match solo this year.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
'As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,' she wrote at the time. 'The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.'
Then, in January, Middleton shared another positive update on Instagram, writing, 'It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery.'
'As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,' she added. 'I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.'
8 The Prince and Princess Of Wales attend the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2023.
Getty Images
8 Prince William at the polo match in 2024.
Getty Images for TGI Sport
Earlier this month, Princess Catherine — who shares kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, with William — opened up about life post-cancer.
While visiting Colchester Hospital in Essex, England, on July 2, she expressed what it's been like to get back into her daily routine.
'You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult,' the princess stated.
8 Kate Middleton and Prince William at the French state dinner.
Getty-PA/POOL supplied by Splash News / SplashNews.com
8 Catherine Princess of Wales visits the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex.
Stefan Rousseau-PA/POOL supplied by Splash News / SplashNews.com
'You're not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you're not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to,' Middleton went on.
'And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable.'
Encouraging those to find their 'new normal,' the mother of three added that it 'takes time…and it's a roller coaster, it's not smooth, like you expect it to be. But the reality is you go through hard times.'
Despite missing the polo match on Friday, the Prince and Princess of Wales turned Tuesday into a date night. The pair attended the French state dinner together, with Middleton dazzling in a red Givenchy by Sarah Burton silk gown and a diamond tiara.
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