The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has made the difficult decision to pull out of attending Royal Ascot on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as she continues to find the right balance following her treatment for cancer. The announcement came just minutes before the event’s carriage procession, where she had been listed to ride alongside her husband, Prince William, in the second carriage. Kensington Palace confirmed her absence, citing her ongoing recovery and gradual return to public duties.
Royal Ascot, held annually at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, is one of the highlights of the British social and sporting calendar, drawing more than 250,000 spectators over five days. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the royal procession tradition, which began in 1825 during the reign of King George IV. The event is renowned not only for its horse racing but also for its strict dress code and the attendance of the royal family, who arrive each day in an elaborate horse-drawn carriage procession.
Catherine’s withdrawal was a disappointment to many, especially as she was expected to appear alongside Prince William, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla. The King, Queen, and Prince William arrived in the first carriage, accompanied by Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family. The second carriage, originally meant to include the Princess of Wales, instead carried the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Earl and Countess of Halifax, who were bumped up from the third carriage. Notably, the Princess’s mother, Carole Middleton, attended the event and was seen smiling despite her daughter’s absence.
The Princess of Wales has been on a carefully managed path back to public life since her cancer diagnosis was publicly revealed in March 2024. Following major abdominal surgery early that year, Catherine underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy, which she completed in September 2024. In January 2025, she announced that she was in remission, describing it as “a relief” and marking the start of her gradual return to royal duties.
Her recent appearances have included several high-profile engagements. On June 14, she took part in Trooping the Colour, riding in a carriage alongside her children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—and later joined senior royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the Red Arrows flypast. Just two days before Royal Ascot, on June 16, Catherine was photographed attending the Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel, an event she had to miss in 2024 due to treatment. Earlier in the month, on June 10, she visited the Victoria and Albert Museum’s East Storehouse facility in London.
Despite these returns, sources close to the Princess have emphasized that she is still striving to find the right balance between public engagements and her long-term recovery. A Kensington Palace insider said Catherine was “disappointed” not to attend Royal Ascot but remains focused on managing her health while gradually increasing her workload.
Her husband, Prince William, continued with the day’s duties, including handing out race prizes to winners. The royal couple has a personal connection to the event beyond ceremonial duties; they have taken over Queen Elizabeth II’s stable of racehorses, achieving their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 with Desert Hero’s victory in the King George V Stakes. Their horse Rainbows Edge was entered in the Kensington Palace Stakes this year but finished seventh behind the winner, Miss Information.
The Princess’s cancer diagnosis was a profound moment for the royal family and the public alike. Catherine revealed in March 2024 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy following major surgery. She spoke candidly about the emotional and physical toll of the treatment, describing the previous nine months as “incredibly tough for us as a family.” Her focus, she said, was on doing everything possible to stay cancer-free.
Her husband echoed the difficulty of the past year in a separate interview, calling 2024 “brutal.” King Charles III, who also announced his own cancer diagnosis in early 2024, has been undergoing treatment while continuing his royal duties. The shared experience of illness within the royal family has drawn public sympathy and added a layer of poignancy to their appearances.
Royal Ascot itself holds a special place in the royal tradition. The late Queen Elizabeth II was famously passionate about horse racing, owning and breeding numerous winners during her 70-year reign. The current King and Queen have maintained this legacy, continuing to attend the event annually and supporting the sport closely.
While Catherine’s absence was felt at this year’s event, her gradual return to public life shows a careful and considered approach to balancing duty with health. Her journey from diagnosis and treatment to remission and public appearances has been closely followed and widely supported by the public and royal fans worldwide.
As the Princess of Wales continues to prioritize her recovery, her recent engagements demonstrate her commitment to fulfilling her role while managing her well-being. The Royal Ascot withdrawal is a reminder of the challenges that remain but also of the resilience and determination she has shown throughout her journey.
