In a surprising last-minute development, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, pulled out of attending Royal Ascot on June 18, 2025, as she continues to carefully manage her return to public life following her battle with cancer. Originally slated to join her husband Prince William, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla at the famous horse racing meet in Berkshire, Kate's absence was confirmed less than half an hour after Ascot officials published a carriage list including her name.
Ascot had initially announced at midday that the Princess would ride in the second carriage of the royal procession alongside Prince William. However, Kensington Palace issued a statement just before 12:30pm confirming that Kate would not be attending, prompting a revised carriage list. A palace spokesperson clarified, "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." Royal sources emphasized the need for flexibility around the Princess's public engagements as she finds the right balance in her phased return to duties.
Kate, 43, is reported to be disappointed at missing the renowned social and sporting occasion, which is a highlight of the royal calendar and currently celebrating its 200th anniversary. The royal procession tradition began in 1825 during the reign of George IV, when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. This year’s event carries on that legacy, with King Charles and Queen Camilla leading the procession in the first carriage, accompanied by Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud and Lady Sarah Keswick, one of the Queen’s official companions.
Prince William, who was due to present race prizes during the meet’s second day, joined the King and Queen in the first carriage after Kate’s withdrawal. The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was also present, riding alongside Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington. The royal family’s presence was warmly received by racegoers, who had hoped to catch a glimpse of the Princess of Wales.
Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, attended Royal Ascot on June 18, accompanied by Alizee Thevenet, wife of Kate’s brother James Middleton. Carole was spotted wearing a yellow floral dress by luxury designer ME+EM and a matching hat, exuding the elegance expected at the event. The presence of family members offered some consolation to fans disappointed by Kate’s absence.
The Princess of Wales has been gradually returning to public engagements since it was announced in January 2025 that she was in remission from cancer. Her diagnosis, revealed in March 2024, led to six months of preventative chemotherapy. Throughout her treatment, Kate maintained a private yet courageous stance, often emphasizing the importance of patience and healing. In a heartfelt message signed simply as “C,” she thanked The Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, London, where she received exceptional care during her treatment.
Kate’s withdrawal from Royal Ascot follows a busy week of public appearances. She attended Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025, joining Prince William and their three children on the Buckingham Palace balcony for King Charles’s official birthday celebrations. On June 16, she appeared at the annual Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle, where she was seen smiling and engaging warmly with other members of the royal family. Just days before, she visited the new V&A East Storeroom exhibition space in London.
Despite her remission, Kate has spoken openly about the challenges of recovery. “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty,” she said in a previous message. “I'm taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to heal.” Her approach reflects a careful balance between fulfilling her royal duties and prioritizing her health.
The King himself has been undergoing treatment for cancer since his diagnosis last January. He has publicly expressed pride in Catherine’s courage throughout her ordeal and has remained closely connected with her during their parallel journeys of healing.
Royal Ascot began on June 17, 2025, with the King and Queen hosting guests in the royal box, including the King’s nephew Peter Phillips and his partner Harriet Sperling, an NHS nurse. Sperling made her debut in the royal procession alongside Phillips, a notable moment as the couple has been publicly dating since May 2024. Their appearance alongside other distinguished guests, such as the Duke and Duchess of Wellington and notable figures from British society, underscored the event’s status as a pinnacle of aristocratic tradition.
While the King and Queen’s horse, Reaching High, was well beaten in the Ascot Stakes on June 17, they have entered Rainbows Edge in the Kensington Palace Stakes, a fillies handicap, with the horse favored by bookmakers. The late Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds, boasting more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign. Charles and Camilla have carried on this legacy, celebrating their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 with Desert Hero.
Racegoers expressed disappointment at Kate’s absence but showed understanding of her need to pace herself. Jill, 65, from Aldershot, Surrey, commented, “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.” Fellow racegoers echoed sentiments of support, recognizing the challenges Kate faces as she balances health and public life.
Kate’s last appearance at Royal Ascot was on June 23, 2023, before her diagnosis. Her gradual return to the royal spotlight has been marked by careful management of her engagements, ensuring she does not overextend herself. Kensington Palace has reiterated the importance of flexibility around her schedule, emphasizing that her health remains paramount.
As the Princess of Wales continues to navigate her recovery and royal responsibilities, her absence at Royal Ascot serves as a reminder of the personal challenges even the most public figures face. The royal family’s support, coupled with the public’s understanding, highlights a collective respect for her journey. While she was missed at Ascot this year, many look forward to her eventual full return to the public stage, hopeful for her continued health and happiness.
