Kate dropped out of Royal Ascot at the last minute last week

Kate Middleton’s absence from Royal Ascot seemingly sent a clear message – she is putting her health and recovery first as she eases back into royal duties.

The Princess of Wales, 43, has made her wellbeing the top priority as she continues her carefully paced return to public life following her cancer diagnosis last year, even if that means stepping back from beloved traditions like Royal Ascot.

In January, Kate announced she was in remission with her cancer. Since then, she’s been slowly returning to duties as she focuses on her recovery.

Kate dropped out of Royal Ascot at the last minute last week (Credit: Cover Images)

What was the reason behind Kate Middleton’s absence from Royal Ascot?

Kate, 43, had been expected to join Prince William and other senior royals in the prestigious carriage procession at Royal Ascot last Wednesday (June 18).

The appearance would have marked her return to the summer event after missing it last year.

However, just 90 minutes before the royal procession was due to begin, it was reported that she would not be attending. It was said that she is continuing to find the right balance as she fully returns to public duties.

She’s absolutely got to be strict with herself and say: ‘No, I can’t do this.’

Kate was reportedly “disappointed” to miss the social outing. But it was ultimately a wise decision, guided by her ongoing recovery and a new, more mindful approach to royal duties.

“Kate might be back, but she’s doing it sensibly, and on her own terms,” Majesty magazine’s editor-in-chief and royal commentator Ingrid Seward has told HELLO!. “Her priorities have changed, and she’s listening to her body. She’s absolutely got to be strict with herself and say: ‘No, I can’t do this.’”
The princess attended the Order of the Garter Service earlier that week (Credit: Cover Images)

‘Ascot is more exhausting than it looks’

Ingrid insisted that Royal Ascot is “more exhausting” than it seems.

“Ascot is more exhausting than it looks,” Ingrid explained. “It involves an early start, and there’s a long process of hair and makeup and getting the right outfit. Then there is a bumpy carriage ride while the whole world is looking at you. It was a very hot day. She probably simply didn’t feel up to it.”

The Princess of Wales has reportedly adopted strict priorities since finishing her preventative chemotherapy last year.

Her goal is to balance her return to public life while continuing to support her family and her own healing from behind the scenes.

“This was a social event, for fun and pleasure, rather than an official or charity engagement,” Ingrid added. “I think it was a wise decision. Even though it was probably a difficult one, too.”

Despite stepping back from Ascot, Kate has maintained a notable presence this summer, already clocking over 20 official engagements, more than many expected at this stage in her recovery.

She attended the Trooping the Colour celebrations on June 14 and appeared at Garter Day in Windsor on July 16. She also recently toured the V&A East Storehouse and joined William for a visit to the Isle of Mull.

Kate has been making a gradual return to public duties (Credit: Cover Images)

‘She is playing the long game’

As the summer holidays in the UK approach, Kate is expected to pull back from public events and focus on her three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Kate and William are reportedly planning a family holiday, possibly to the Scilly Isles, before travelling to Balmoral to spend time with King Charles and Queen Camilla in August.

The family will also likely attend Wimbledon, one of Kate’s favourite annual traditions.

Ingrid noted that this measured approach is part of a broader vision Kate is building for the future.

She said Kate is “definitely playing the long game and prioritising what is important” – her family, her health and staying well.