Princess Kate withdrew from Royal Ascot on Wednesday despite being listed in the official program to appear in the royal carriage procession alongside Prince William. The cancellation came shortly after the midday release of the carriage list, prompting Kensington Palace to confirm her absence less than 30 minutes later.
"We notified Ascot that Her Royal Highness would not be attending," a Kensington Palace spokesperson said. "Unfortunately, an inaccurate version of the carriage list was issued in error after that notification. The correct list was then circulated."
The late change underscores the Princess of Wales's ongoing efforts to carefully manage her return to public duties following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. She has undergone six months of preventative chemotherapy and is said to be adjusting her schedule to prioritize recovery. Although her name appeared in the official procession list, the Palace clarified that her attendance had not been confirmed and the miscommunication was due to a "communications error."
While Kate had reportedly hoped to attend the high-profile Berkshire race event, her decision not to appear was understood to reflect the need for continued flexibility regarding her public engagements. In recent days, the Princess has resumed select duties, including attending the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday, the Order of the Garter service in Windsor on Monday, and a visit to the V&A East Storehouse.
At Royal Ascot, Prince William joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud in the first carriage of the royal procession. Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, was present at the event along with Alizee Thevenet, wife of Kate's brother, James Middleton.
Spectators at the racecourse expressed both disappointment and support. "It's disappointing but she's got to pace herself," said Jill, 65, from Aldershot. Her husband Ian, 70, added, "It's a very hot day even if you're in full health so I think it's the right decision." Others shared empathy for the Princess's situation. "She's done what's right for her which is the most important thing," said Dawn Denning, 58.
Jane Price, 56, said, "I'm gutted but completely understand. It's such a hot day and she has been so busy recently. I had cancer but was 31. How she's managed at 43 and with three young children is quite remarkable."
Prince William remained active in Wednesday's program, presenting the Prince of Wales's Stakes trophy to winning jockey William Buick. Later, Kensington Palace shared a post on the royal couple's official Instagram page featuring images of William at the event and congratulating the winners.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Royal Ascot procession, a tradition initiated by King George IV in 1825. The royal contingent included the King and Queen riding with Prince Faisal and Lady Sarah Keswick in the lead carriage, followed by Princess Anne, Camilla's sister Annabel Elliot, the Duke and Duchess of Wellington, and other senior royals such as Princess Beatrice, Sarah, Duchess of York, and Zara and Mike Tindall.
