Kate Middleton a no show at Royal Ascot after last minute decision
The Princess of Wales has made a last-minute decision to withdraw from Royal Ascot today, despite being expected to attend. Kate will not be present at the second day of the race meeting as she continues to find the right balance following her cancer treatment.
The princess is reportedly disappointed at missing out on the renowned social and sporting event in Berkshire alongside her husband and the King and Queen. Racegoers had been anticipating seeing Kate, especially as Prince William is listed as one of the individuals presenting race prizes during the second day of the meet.
Her name was also included in the official programme as participating in today's carriage procession in the second carriage alongside William.
However, Kensington Palace confirmed shortly after that she would not be in attendance. It is understood she is trying to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements.
A Royal source reiterated that Kensington Palace has consistently emphasised the need for 'flexibility' around the Princess of Wales' public engagements, reports the Mirror.
The source added that the princess completed three engagements in the past week, attending the new VandA East Storeroom exhibition space in London, the King's official birthday celebrations at Trooping the Colour on Saturday and Garter Day on Monday in Windsor.
Prince William is still in attendance and is scheduled to present the trophy to the winner of the Prince of Wales stakes later this afternoon. Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, has also been spotted at the festival today, alongside Alizee Thevenet, who is wedded to Kate's brother, James Middleton.
Kate was absent from Royal Ascot last year after being diagnosed with cancer in February, which led to six months of preventative chemotherapy. She announced in January that she was now in remission and focusing on recovery, while the King continues to receive weekly treatment for the illness.
The princess was last seen in public on Monday when she attended the annual Order of Garter ceremony in Windsor. There, she was observed conversing with Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and watching other royals, including William, participate in the procession in his Garter robes and plumed hat.
Just days prior, she had also attended Trooping the Colour with the rest of the Royal Family, including her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Kate, who last appeared at Royal Ascot in 2023, has been gradually resuming Royal duties following her cancer diagnosis last year and subsequent treatment, but has been slowly increasing her workload recently.
Royal Ascot was off to a grand start yesterday, with the King and Queen hosting guests in the Royal box on the festival's opening day. Among those present were the King's nephew Peter Phillips and his partner, NHS nurse Harriet Sperling, who made her debut in the carriage procession onto the renowned Berkshire racecourse, signalling the commencement of the day.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Royal procession, a tradition that dates back to the reign of George IV in 1825, when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. The King and Queen led the procession in the first carriage, joined by Prince Faisal, a member of the Saudi Royal family, and Lady Sarah Keswick, one of the Queen's official companions.
Following them were the Princess Royal, Camilla's sister Annabel Elliot, and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington. They were trailed by a coach carrying Anne's son Peter Phillips and his girlfriend.
Other royals spotted among the crowd included Princess Beatrice, her mother Sarah, Duchess of York, and Zara and Mike Tindall.
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