Princess of Wales ‘disappointed’ to miss glittering event as she continues recovery journey after cancer battle
The Princess of Wales has dramatically pulled out of Royal Ascot at the eleventh hour today, leaving royal fans disappointed after she was initially listed to appear in the prestigious Royal Procession alongside Prince William.
In a last-minute change that sent ripples through the racecourse, Kate’s name was hastily removed from the carriage lineup for day two of the celebrated racing event, with sources revealing the Princess is ‘disappointed’ not to be attending the glamorous occasion.
The 43-year-old royal had been scheduled to ride in the traditional horse-drawn carriage procession with her husband Prince William, but palace insiders confirmed she has had to withdraw as she continues to “find the right balance” while returning to public duties following her cancer treatment.
William Rides Without Kate as Carriage List Hastily Revised
In a swift reorganization of the day’s proceedings, Prince William will now share a carriage with his father King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud, after Kate’s unexpected withdrawal from the event.
The Princess’s absence marks a notable disappointment for royal watchers who had hoped to see her make her triumphant return to the Berkshire racecourse, where she has previously dazzled crowds with her impeccable fashion choices and warm presence.
Middletons Rally Round as Carole Arrives All Smiles
Despite the breaking news of her daughter’s withdrawal, Carole Middleton put on a brave face as she arrived at Royal Ascot this afternoon, maintaining her composure and greeting fellow racegoers with characteristic warmth.
The Middleton matriarch’s appearance comes just days after she attended the event alongside Prince William yesterday, marking her first major public outing since Kate’s cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Kate’s Glittering Royal Ascot History
The Princess of Wales has been a fixture at Royal Ascot since 2016, attending the prestigious racing meet five times and establishing herself as one of the event’s most eagerly anticipated style icons.
From her show-stopping cherry red Alexander McQueen ensemble in 2023 to her vintage-inspired polka dot Alessandra Rich dress in 2022, Kate has consistently delivered sartorial perfection at the annual racing event.
Royal fashion expert Jane Taylor, whose millinery creations have graced the Princess’s head on numerous occasions, recently told HELLO! that Kate’s Ascot appearances have become legendary: “The Princess has built a visual narrative that combines tradition and modernity.
Balancing Act: Kate’s Careful Return to Royal Duties
Today’s withdrawal underscores the delicate balancing act the Princess faces as she navigates her return to public life following her cancer battle. Just days ago, Kate made a radiant appearance at Trooping the Colour, her first major royal engagement in six months, where she rode in an Ascot Landau carriage with her three children.
Palace sources emphasize that while the Princess is eager to resume her royal duties, she must carefully manage her schedule to ensure her continued recovery. She has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements,” a source close to the royal household confirmed.
A Week of Royal Highs and Lows
Kate’s absence comes during what has been a packed week for the Royal Family. Following Saturday’s spectacular Trooping the Colour parade and Monday’s historic Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle, Royal Ascot represents the third major event in just five days.
The Princess had also made a notable appearance at the V&A East Storehouse last week, signaling her gradual return to royal duties after completing her chemotherapy treatment.
Royal Procession Continues Without Future Queen
Despite Kate’s absence, the Royal Ascot spectacle continues in full swing, with King Charles and Queen Camilla leading proceedings for the second consecutive day. Other royals in attendance include Princess Anne, who participated in yesterday’s opening day procession, and numerous extended family members.
Prince William, putting duty first as always, maintained his composure as he joined his father and stepmother in the revised carriage arrangement, waving to crowds who had gathered hoping to catch a glimpse of the Princess of Wales.
Looking Ahead: Summer of Careful Comebacks
Royal watchers remain optimistic about seeing more of Kate in the coming weeks, with sources suggesting she may make select appearances at key summer events including Wimbledon, where she serves as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
However, today’s withdrawal serves as a reminder that the Princess’s recovery remains her top priority, with palace aides stressing that her Trooping the Colour appearance “didn’t signal a full return to royal work or public life.”
As one royal insider put it: “Catherine’s health comes first. While she’s disappointed to miss today’s races, she knows there will be many more Royal Ascots in her future. For now, it’s about taking things one day at a time.”
Royal Ascot continues through Saturday, June 21, with the Royal Family expected to make daily appearances at the prestigious racing event.
