Princess Kate pulls out of Royal Ascot 'at the last minute'
Princess Kate pulls out of Royal Ascot 'at the last minute'
The 43-year-old royal was expected to join her husband, Prince William, King Charles and Queen Camilla in the traditional carriage procession at the Berkshire racecourse
The Princess of Wales has reportedly said she will not be in attendance for Ascot today
(Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire )
Catherine, Princess of Wales pulled out of attending Royal Ascot "at the last minute" on Wednesday (18.06.25).
The 43-year-old royal was expected to join her husband, Prince William, King Charles and Queen Camilla in the traditional carriage procession at the Berkshire racecourse.
However, she is believed to have cancelled the engagement as she tries to "find the right balance" amid her gradual return to royal duties, following her battle with cancer.
Royal correspondent Chris Ship shared to X: "Prince William will be at @Ascot today as expected but the Princess of Wales has decided, at the last minute, not to attend today. Ascot had previously named her in the second carriage.
"It's understood she's decided to find the right balance as she returns to public engagements."
Catherine was present at the Trooping the Colour event at Horse Guards Parade in London on Saturday (14.06.25).
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The princess underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024 and later revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy, before confirming in January this year that she was in remission.
Catherine - who has Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, with the future king - revealed she was cancer-free as she paid tribute to the staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London, where she received treatment.
She wrote on her and William's social media channels: "I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.
"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.
"We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.
"In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.
"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C (sic)"
The princess went public with her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, and praised her husband for his support.
She said at the time: "It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
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"As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
"Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."
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Princess of Wales makes public statement after pulling out of Ascot
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South Wales Argus
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Kate paid tribute to the support provided by the 54 institutions that specialise in caring for society's youngest at the end of their lives and 'lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play'. In a surprise move on Wednesday, Kate missed Royal Ascot for the second successive year as she seeks the right balance following her treatment for cancer. The Princess of Wales visited Ty Hafan Children's Hospice near Cardiff in January (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) Since announcing in January she is in remission, the princess has been gradually returning to public duties. Her appearances have increased in recent weeks, attending three high-profile events – Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service, and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London. It is understood Kate is trying to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements that have featured an element of flexibility since her cancer diagnosis. Kate's written message, posted on social media ahead of the end of Children's Hospice Week this weekend, said: 'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. 'Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.' Speaking in her role as royal patron of two children's hospices, she added: 'Being able to access the support of one of the UK's 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone. Kate helping pot plants and herbs during a visit to The Nook children's hospice in Framlingham Earl, Norfolk, in 2020 (Joe Giddens/PA) 'As patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Ty Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices. 'Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond. 'This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.' The national Children's Hospice Week is led by children's palliative care charity Together for Short Lives and the event is dedicated to raising awareness of children's hospice services. Nick Carroll, chief executive officer of Together for Short Lives, said about Kate: ''Her ongoing support for Children's Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children's hospices do, every day of the year. 'Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that's for years, months or only hours.'
