It had been expected that the Princess of Wales would join Prince William at Royal Ascot today but it has been confirmed she will not be there as she continues her gradual return to duties following her cancer treatment

The Princess of Wales pulled out of Royal Ascot today despite being expected to attend. Kate appeared to drop out of the second day of the race meeting as she continues to find the right balance following her cancer treatment

The princess is said to be disappointed at not attending the famous social and sporting occasion in Berkshire with her husband and the King and Queen. Racegoers had been hoping to see Kate as Prince William is named as one of the figures awarding race prizes during the second day of the meet. Her name had also been included in the official programme as taking part in today’s carriage procession in the second carriage alongside William.

The Princess of Wales (
Image:
Getty Images)

But just minutes after the carriage list had been released, Kensington Palace confirmed she would not be there. The Palace suggested today that the princess’ attendance had not been confirmed with Royal Ascot and her name being printed in the official programme and being announced by racing chiefs at the festival to appear in the royal procession was due to a “communications error”.

The Princess was announced to be present in the royal procession at noon before her no show was confirmed by Kensington Palace at 12.20pm.

A spokesperson said: “We notified Ascot that Her Royal Highness would not be attending. “Unfortunately an inaccurate version of the carriage list was issued in error after that notification. The correct list was then circulated.” The Prince and Princess of Wales are not expected to attend any further days of the festival.

It is that understood Kate is trying to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements. A royal source reiterated that Kensington Palace has consistently stressed the need for ‘flexibility’ around the Princess of Wales ‘ public engagements.

Kate’s mum Carole and sister-in-law Alizee at Royal Ascot today (
Image:
Jonathan Buckmaster)
The source added that the princess completed three engagements in the last week, attending the new V&A 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.

A source at Royal Ascot said: “Obviously it’s a great disappointment the Princess of Wales not being able to attend, but everyone is of course mindful of her schedule and we look forward to welcoming her next year.”

William is still attending Royal Ascot today and is down to present the trophy to the winner of the Prince of Wales stakes later this afternoon. Kate’s mum Carole Middleton has also been spotted attending the festival today alongside Alizee Thevenet, who is married to the princess’s brother James Middleton.

Racegoers at the racecourse today were sad to hear the Princess of Wales had pulled out of attending. Couple Jill and Ian from Aldershot, Surrey, were looking forward to getting a glimpse of the royal. Jill, 65, told the Mirror : “My daughter just came over to tell us that Kate won’t be here.

Prince William at Royal Ascot today (
Image:
WireImage)
“It’s disappointing but she’s got to pace herself. Our daughter was very ill once so we understand.” Ian, 70, added: “It’s a very hot day even if you’re in full health so I think it’s the right decision. William and the King and Queen will be here so still lots to look forward to.”

Dawn Denning, 58, said: “Good for her, I think it’s the right decision. If you’re not feeling your best the last thing you want is someone taking photos of you. She’s done what’s right for her which is the most important thing.”

Her pal Jane Price, 56, added: “I’m gutted but completely understand. It’s such a hot day and she [Kate] has been so busy recently I think anyone would need a break. I had cancer but was 31. How she’s managed at 43 and with three young children is quite remarkable.”

Kate missed Royal Ascot last year after she was diagnosed with cancer in February resulting in six months preventative chemotheraphy. She announced in January she was now in remission and focussed on healing, while the King is still undergoing weekly treatment for the disease.

The princess was last seen out in public on Monday when she attened the annual Order of Garter ceremony in Windsor, where she was seen chatting with Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and watched other royals, including William take part in the procession in his Garter robes and plumed hat.

Just days before, she had also attended Trooping the Colour alongside the rest of the Royal Family, including her three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Kate at Trooping the Colour with Princess Charlotte (
Image:
PA)
Kate, who last appeared at Royal Ascot in 2023, has been gradually returning to royal duties following her cancer diagnosis last year and subsequent treatment but has slowly increasing her workload of late.

Royal Ascot kicked off yesterday when the King and Queen hosted guests in the royal box on the first day of the festivalincluding the King’s nephew Peter Phillips and his partner, NHS nurse Harriet Sperling. She made an appearance for the first time in the carriage procession the royal family make onto the famous Berkshire racecourse to signal the start of the day.

The royal procession is celebrating its 200th anniversary, a tradition begun during the reign of George IV in 1825 when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. The King and Queen rode in the first carriage with Prince Faisal, a member of the Saudi royal family, and Lady Sarah Keswick, one of the Queen’s official companions.

Behind them travelled the Princess Royal with Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington and they were followed by a coach carrying Anne’s son Peter Phillips and his girlfriend. Other royals spotted among the crowds included Princess Beatrice and her mother Sarah, Duchess of York and Zara and Mike Tindall.