Kate Middleton's Royal Ascot absence explained as she 'prioritises health'
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Princess Kate withdrew from Royal Ascot yesterday, prioritising her wellbeing after her cancer diagnosis the previous year. Despite completing her treatment in September, Kensington Palace has indicated a gradual return to her Royal responsibilities.
Insiders affirmed that the alteration to the Royal guest list was not cause for concern and attributed the initial inclusion of the Princess on the first carriage list to an oversight, noting that her absence had already been communicated to the racecourse by the Palace.
Royal aides emphasised there's no need for alarm, explaining that Kate's choice to skip the event's second day is part of managing her schedule while re-engaging with public duties. Sources revealed Kate felt "disappointed" to miss out today, particularly as she couldn't attend last year due to undergoing cancer treatment.
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The Princess, who announced she was in remission in January, had been expected to join the carriage procession with Prince William alongside golfer Justin Rose and his spouse Kate.
Despite the official list being publicised at noon, Kensington Palace confirmed shortly afterwards that she would not participate today with her husband. There are no plans for her to appear at any other Royal Ascot events this week, reports the Express.
This led to adjustments in the procession, which saw the prince accompanying the King and Queen in the leading carriage with Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia's Royal household.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrived in the second carriage, with the last-minute change failing to dampen spirits as racegoers cheered in the 27C heat upon the royals' arrival.
Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, 70, was radiant in a peach sorbet yellow dress from UK brand ME+EM, priced at a modest £325. The intricate detailing of her outfit was complemented by a blush-toned wide-brimmed hat by Jane Corbett and a cream clutch bag.
As she mingled with the Royal family, including son-in-law William, Carole was seen covering her mouth in surprised amusement, reaching up to touch the prince's cheek as she listened attentively to his words.
Other royals present at the event included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne alongside Zara and Mike Tindall, Kate's sister-in-law Alizee Middleton - wife of her brother James, - and friends of the Wales family, Lucy van Straubenzee and Lady Laura Meade.
William had the honour of presenting the trophy to the winners of the Prince of Wales's Stakes - John and Thady Gosden, trainers of Ombudsman, and jockey William Buick, who later rode the King and Queen's horse, Rainbows Edge, to seventh place in the Kensington Palace Stakes.
(Image: WireImage)
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