Kate Middleton rewrites royal playbook, puts herself first in unprecedented move: experts
Kate Middleton canceled her Royal Ascot appearance at the last minute — and several royal experts claimed we can expect more sudden changes from the princess.
On Wednesday, Fox News Digital learned that the mother of three was originally set to appear at the annual horse racing event with her husband, Prince William. While the Princess of Wales was said to be disappointed not to be there, she is still trying to find the right balance as she returns to public-facing engagements following her cancer treatment.
"She has been forthright regarding her still experiencing 'good days and bad days,' as she once said," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "She is hoping the public will be patient since she is 'not out of the woods quite yet.' She has acknowledged having to be sensible, listening to what her body is telling her as she eases back to public life."
Kate Middleton Unexpectedly Pulls Out Of Royal Ascot Appearance
"We should expect her to maintain a lighter schedule of engagements than previously for the foreseeable future," said Fordwich. "Her decisions, as always, will be responsible and dignified."
Royal experts told Fox News Digital that as a future queen consort, Kate is breaking the mold, prioritizing her health while being a supportive player in the House of Windsor. Following her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, Kate has reduced her appearances to focus on recovery. And while the princess is now cancer-free, healing continues to be a priority for Kate, and she has adopted a case-by-case approach to fulfilling royal duties.
Read On The Fox News App
On Wednesday, William made a solo appearance on the second day of the horse racing event at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England. He was accompanied by his father, King Charles III, and stepmother, Queen Camilla.
Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, was also present. At one point, she shared a warm exchange with the king, 76, as they watched the action take place.
It's a good sign, said Fordwich.
"Princess Catherine is making steady progress in her recovery," said Fordwich. "This announcement is confirmation that she'll remain cautious, flexible and measured with her health taking precedence. We should expect similar last-minute adjustments since navigating such challenging health issues isn't easy."
"I believe she might well attend Wimbledon, which she so loves," Fordwich added.
Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that the U.K. is experiencing blistering temperatures. It could have contributed to Kate's decision.
"At the moment we are experiencing a heatwave making London warmer than the Caribbean," he said. "I presume Kate may be feeling the effects of this and, still taking aggressive drugs, may have been told by her doctors to be very careful."
"We are hearing apparently all is well and that Kate is making steady progress but still finds an energy lapse on some occasions," Turner noted.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams agreed.
"The Princess of Wales had been expected to join the royal procession at Royal Ascot, which commemorates 200 years this year since it was first held in 1825," he explained. "According to a source, she was disappointed not to be able to attend. She would have joined Prince William, who presented the trophy to the winner of the Prince of Wales stakes."
"Catherine is in remission from cancer and is striving to find the right balance of engagements as she recovers, obviously much influenced by medical advice," he shared. "She has recently appeared at [several key events]. It may also be that the heat affected her decision."
Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News
People magazine reported that Royal Ascot is a social event, not a ceremonial commitment, on the royal family's calendar. They noted that the royal family's attendance is an "informal tradition."
"Royal Ascot is a splendidly organized royal event which is the highlight of the royal calendar," said Fitzwilliams. "It was the first event listed in the diary of Queen Elizabeth, who was renowned for being an equestrian enthusiast every year."
"It is hoped that the Princess of Wales will attend next year, her last appearance being in 2023 due to her cancer treatment," he added.
Despite Kate's absence, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard, who was at Ascot, assured Fox News Digital royal watchers shouldn't be worried.
"[Kate] and her medical team would have decided that today's event would be too much for her, hence the last-minute cancellation," said Chard. "It is also super hot here, and I imagine she could be left feeling very unwell. I really don't believe we should be worried."
"Princess Catherine is doing well and, as previously confirmed, has been given the all-clear from her medical team, cancer-wise," said Chard. "Like many of us, she has medical challenges (not necessarily cancer-related) which, on occasion, impact her everyday and working life."
Queen Elizabeth II's former spokeswoman, Alisa Anderson, recently told People magazine that this year, Kate will be prioritizing her health as she returns to royal duties.
"She's being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life," Anderson told the outlet.
Kensington Palace, which handles the offices of the Prince and Princess of Wales, has emphasized that Kate will tackle royal duties. The outlet pointed out that her withdrawal from the Royal Ascot is an example of her case-by-case approach that we'll likely see more of, as necessary.
"She has not been able to have the privacy that a person who faces this kind of illness is normally afforded," a source close to the royal household told the outlet.
In March 2024, Kate announced in a video she had cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. The revelation came after weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts. In January of that year, she was hospitalized for unspecified abdominal surgery.
The news was another jolt to the royal family. In February of that year, Buckingham Palace announced Charles was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer. The illness was discovered while he was undergoing a procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.
In September 2024, Kate announced she had finished her preventative chemotherapy, although she said her path to full recovery would be long and that she would take it day by day.
"As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," she wrote. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life, as you know it, can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown."
"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has, above all, reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus."
King Charles Won't Hand Throne To Prince William As Monarchy Shake-up Could Spark 'Crisis': Experts
"Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes," said the princess. "I am, however, looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."
"William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time," she shared. "Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."
In January of this year, Kate announced that her cancer was in remission, and she would remain "focused on recovery."
WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON ANNOUNCES SHE HAS COMPLETED CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT
"As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal," she said at the time.
Since then, Kate has slowly returned to royal duties.
Over the weekend, she and William joined their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, for Trooping the Colour, King Charles's birthday parade. On Monday, Kate also appeared at the annual Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle.
Turner previously told Fox News Digital that both the Prince and Princess of Wales have faced mounting pressure as future king and queen in support of Charles, who is still seeking treatment.
"King Charles is looking his age now and his illness has taken its toll," said Turner. "A new era of [a] young monarchy is set to take over the mantle in the future."
"The pressure of being the Princess of Wales, looking after a young family, being by William's side, still recovering from cancer treatments, as well as the mental trauma she faced still weighs heavily on Kate. But she seems to be smiling throughout, delighting crowds when seen in public, and giving a new confidence to the future monarchy."Original article source: Kate Middleton rewrites royal playbook, puts herself first in unprecedented move: experts
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Princess Kate's Best Royal Ascot Outfits Ever
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. From the incredible hats to the racing action, Royal Ascot is one of the most anticipated events in the British social season. Each year, members of the Royal Family gather to take in the five-day-long event—and show off their finest fashion in the process. Although she married Prince William in 2011, Kate Middleton didn't join the royals at Ascot until 2016, and has since attended only five times over the course of her royal career. But even though her appearances on the race course haven't been frequent, the Princess of Wales always brings her A-game to the high-society event. Whether it's a bold red hat or delicate white lace dress, she's never failed to give fans some serious outfit envy. With Royal Ascot kicking off on Tuesday, June 17, we're taking a look back at Princess Kate's best race-day outfits, ahead. Although it looks like a dress, Kate's 2019 Ascot outfit was actually a skirt and top by Elie Saab. The sheer pussy-bow blouse was a bespoke version of a runway look and featured swiss dot fabric over a coordinating tank, with her coordinating midi skirt crafted from the same delicate fabric. She added some bling to her ensemble with blue topaz earrings by her go-to jeweler, Kiki McDonough. The highlight of her outfit was a Philip Treacy hat dyed the perfect shade of pale blue that featured a tonal flower underneath its brim. She chose silver accessories to accent her icy outfit, carrying a metallic Elie Saab clutch and silver Gianvito Rossi pumps. The princess delivered serious My Fair Lady vibes in a polka-dotted Alessandra Rich dress for her 2022 appearance at the races. Dressed in a long-sleeved, '80s-inspired midi featuring brown spots, the then-Duchess of Cambridge brought back memories of Princess Diana's 1988 Royal Ascot outfit. For further Diana effect, she wore the late royal's favorite South Sea pearl drop earrings with diamond accents. And no Ascot look is complete without a fabulous hat, with Kate matching her polka-dots to her brown straw topper trimmed with white flowers. The Princess of Wales's most recent Royal Ascot appearance was in 2023, when she gave royal watchers a surprise by switching up her usual white or pastel outfits for a pop of bright red. She turned to her wedding dress designer, Alexander McQueen, for her '23 Ascot outfit, wearing a long-sleeved midi dress with a wrap bodice. The year also marked the first time the royal was seen with an Hermès piece. She carried a red vintage clutch by the designer, adding a pair of red Jennifer Chamandi pumps and a floral-trimmed red Philip Treacy hat.
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Royal Expert Says Prince William Will "Feel the Void" at Royal Ascot After Kate Middleton Suddenly Cancels Appearance
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. After Kate Middleton's sudden decision to cancel her appearance at Royal Ascot, Prince William attended the prestigious event without his wife. Royal sources said the Princess of Wales was "disappointed" to miss the event, and royal fans were likely anticipating Princess Kate's Royal Ascot outfit. And according to a former royal employee, the Prince of Wales will "feel the void" at Ascot without his wife, too. "William holding the fort on his own isn't unusual," former royal butler Grant Harrold said on behalf of Spin Genie. "He's very well versed in attending engagements solo and he very much gets on with the job at hand. He'll be so comfortable doing these events, but obviously Kate is his partner." Harrold continued, "He will definitely feel the void of not having her at Ascot with him today. It's like The King and Queen, they want that physical support alongside them, they want the united partnership. They value each other as part of that partnership, just like William and Kate do too." Luckily, Harrold—who was King Charles's butler for 6 years—believes Prince William will find support in other family members. "Naturally, however, it's nice for William to enjoy a fun day out alongside his family," the former royal employee said. "He would have loved spending time with Charles and Camilla." Rather than being like an official royal engagement, "Ascot is quite an informal event," says Harrold, who calls the annual outing "relaxed." "The have all his friends there, it's a great social occasion for them all round," the former butler explained. While Princess Kate wasn't able to attend Royal Ascot on June 18, 2025, her mother, Carole Middleton, was in attendance, along with Kate's brother James Middleton and his wife, Alizee Thevenet. "Kate is extremely close to her family, especially her mom, and Carole has a great relationship with William too," Harrold explained. "No doubt William will be spending some time with Carole, as she gets on great with the Royal Family." The former royal butler also suggested that Carole would likely be "chatting with Queen Camilla about the horses and catching up in general."
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Unexpected Relative Kate Middleton and Prince William Turn to for "Advice" When Placing Bets at Royal Ascot
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Royal Ascot is taking place from June 17 until June 21 in 2025, and several members of the Royal Family will be in attendance at the prestigious society event. According to a former royal butler, Kate Middleton and Prince William—along with other members of the Royal Family—are most likely to turn to one unexpected royal relative for advice when it comes to betting on the horses at Royal Ascot. While Princess Kate sadly won't be attending this year, the Prince and Princess of Wales are regular attendees at the horse racing event, which welcomes approximately "300,000 over five days, all dressed up in their finest clothes and hats," per the Royal Family's website. "The royals are allowed to bet on horses," former royal butler Grant Harrold said on behalf of Spin Genie. "In fact, the late Queen [Elizabeth] was famously known for betting on horses, and there's a clip of her winning a whole entire £20 [$27], which she was really excited about," Harrold shared. "They don't bet silly; they just bet what anyone else would put like putting something on; it would be wrong not to." As for which member of the Royal Family is an expert at picking winners, Harrold noted, "Queen Camilla is very much into horses. The King is, but I would say Camilla is more so, along with Princess Anne. If you're going to be taking advice on which horses, I would look at Camilla for a good tip." Harrold—who served as King Charles's personal butler at Highgrove for more than 6 years—also reflected on Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Ascot legacy, which is likely to loom large for her children. "Horse racing is a great tradition within the family—royals and horses go back centuries," Harrold explained. "I'm sure [King Charles] won't be able to go to Ascot and not think of the late Queen, his mother. That was a huge highlight of her year." The former royal butler further explained, "While King Charles isn't as much of a bettor or racegoer as his mother, he has always had an association with horses, especially when he did fox hunting. Often he's seen out riding horses, and he's had a great love of them. He even had horses at Highgrove until a few years ago. The association has always been there." Harrold continued, "He will definitely keep the tradition of horses going within the family."
