Princess of Wales pulls out of Royal Ascot appearance at the last minute
Catherine, Princess of Wales, pulled out of attending Royal Ascot at the last minute on Wednesday.
After an already busy week in the royal calendar, which included Trooping the Colour on Saturday and Garter Day on Monday, it's understood Kate is opting to rest, as she continues to find a balance between work and her health, post-cancer treatment.
The 43-year-old dropped out of the planned appearance at the 11th hour, after details of the royal carriage procession were published about midday (9pm AEST), ahead of royal arrivals at 2pm (11pm AEST).
READ MORE: Meghan admits interest in her two children has a downside
Catherine, Princess of Wales, pulled out of attending Royal Ascot at the last minute on Wednesday. Jonathan Brady/PA via AP
The Princess of Wales is said to be disappointed she can't attend this year's event.
However, Prince William still attended without his wife, as he did last year.
Today, he will be joined by mother-in-law Carole Middleton and Alizee Thevenet, the wife of his brother-in-law James Middleton, who were seen arriving together.
The Prince of Wales was also set to be joined by his friend - and Princess Charlotte's godfather - Thomas van Straubenzee and his wife.
READ MORE: Zara Tindall champions Australian fashion at Royal Ascot
Prince William, who had been scheduled to ride with Kate in carriage number 2, ended up sharing a spot with his dad and step-mum in carriage number 1. John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images
King Charles and Queen Camilla returned for a second day at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images
It would have marked the Princess of Wales' return to the royal enclosure at Ascot Racecourse for the first time since 2023.
Kate skipped the event last year while undergoing preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed cancer, which was discovered in February 2024.
Her father-in-law, King Charles, was also diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer at the same time.
The monarch, who continues to receive ongoing treatment, attended Royal Ascot for a second day on Wednesday, with wife Queen Camilla.
Prince William, who had been scheduled to ride with Kate in carriage number 2, ended up sharing a spot with his dad and step-mum in carriage number 1.
King Charles and Camilla also attended on Tuesday, alongside the monarch's sister Princess Anne.
Prince William will be joined by will be joined by mother-in-law Carole Middleton and Alizee Thevenet, the wife of his brother-in-law James Middleton, who were seen arriving together. Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im
His cousin Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall returned to the racecourse for day two. Hoda Davaine/Getty Images
Royal cousins including Zara Tindall and Princess Beatrice were also on hand for day one of the week-long racing meet, alongside their husbands Mike Tindall and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
The royal enclosure was buzzing on Tuesday with Zara's brother Peter Phillips also attending with his girlfriend Harriet Sperling.
The couple took part in the carriage procession, suggesting Sperling's been given the royal seal of approval.
Princess Beatrice's mum, Sarah Ferguson, was also in attendance and seen sharing laughs and holding the arm of Mike Tindall.
Mike and Zara returned again for day two of the races on Wednesday.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Royals
Prince William and Kate back return to official duties with subtle nod to Prince Harry
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet start school in the UK: reports
Norwegian royal family member dies just days after King Harald’s state funeral
Prince Harry source says country’s withdrawal from Invictus Games was a ‘consequence’ of King’s letter
