'Disappointed': Princess Kate a no-show at Royal Ascot despite being listed in the official carriage procession amid post-cancer 'phased' return to duties
Princess Catherine is said to be "disappointed" after withdrawing at the last minute from Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
The 43-year-old was listed to appear on day two of the prestigious racing meet in Berkshire, seated in the royal procession alongside her husband, Prince William, 42, the King and Queen, and other senior royals.
Ascot officials published the carriage list shortly after midday local time (9pm AEST), with the Princess of Wales due to ride in the second carriage with Prince William.
But less than 30 minutes later, Kensington Palace confirmed Catherine would no longer be attending, and a revised procession line-up was released.
Prince William instead took a seat in the lead carriage with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud, a member of the royal family of Saudi Arabia.
The Prince of Wales, who later handed out prizes to Wednesday's winners, was supported at the event by Catherine's mother, Carole Middleton, and her sister-in-law Alizée Thévenet, who is married to James Middleton.
Other royals in attendance included Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Zara and Mike Tindall, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
It's understood that while Catherine was " disappointed" to have missed out on the event, her withdrawal was made to ensure she continues to strike the "right balance" as she gradually returns to public life in the wake of her cancer bombshell.
The royal, who is undergoing a phased return to engagements following her cancer battle, has not attended Royal Ascot since 2023.
In a deeply personal statement shared in January, Catherine revealed she was in remission after undergoing nine months of preventative chemotherapy.
"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery," the Princess said at the time, thanking her medical team at The Royal Marsden in London.
"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."
While it's not yet confirmed if she'll attend another day of the event, Catherine has already made two major public appearances this week, including Trooping the Colour on Saturday and Garter Day at Windsor Castle on Monday.
Unfortunately, missing out on Wednesday's royal procession was an especially poignant event to skip, as it marks 200 years since the tradition was introduced by King George IV in 1825.
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