The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton pulls out of Royal Ascot at the last minute.

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton pulls out of Royal Ascot at the last minute.

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, unexpectedly withdrew from her planned appearance at Royal Ascot on June 18, 2025, just hours before the event. She was scheduled to join Prince William in the second carriage of the royal procession, as confirmed by Ascot officials at 12:00 pm local time, but Kensington Palace announced her absence by 12:30 pm, citing her need to “find the right balance” as she continues her recovery from cancer. Kate, who announced in January 2025 that she is in remission following chemotherapy completed in September 2024, is said to be disappointed to miss the event, a significant social and sporting occasion marking the 200th anniversary of the royal procession.

Despite her absence, Prince William attended, riding in the first carriage with King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud, and presented the trophy for the Prince of Wales’ Stakes. Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, and sister-in-law, Alizée Thevenet, were among the attendees. Sources emphasize that Kate is pacing her return to public duties carefully, listening to her body after a challenging year, with recent appearances at Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter service. No official reason beyond her recovery was provided for the last-minute decision.

Tags: Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Louis, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Meghan, Lilibet

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