Kate Middleton’s absence from the Royal Ascot this year has sparked curiosity and concern among royal watchers. Despite her recent appearance at Trooping the Colour, the Princess of Wales chose to skip the prestigious horse racing event, prioritizing her health and recovery.
On June 19, several members of the royal family, including Prince William, Queen Camilla, and Princess Eugenie, attended the second day of Royal Ascot. The event, a highlight of the royal summer social calendar, also saw the presence of Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. This marked their first public appearance since Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March and began undergoing chemotherapy.
The sight of Carole and Michael Middleton at Ascot was significant, yet their daughter was notably absent. Palace aides have emphasized that Kate’s appearance at Trooping the Colour did not signify a full return to royal duties. Instead, it was a brief public engagement as she continues to focus on her health.
A source close to the royal household revealed that Kate is taking the necessary time to recover privately at home. “She has been doing what’s right for her and recovering privately at home. She is dealing with it the best she can,” the source shared.
Kate’s return to the public eye at Trooping the Colour on June 15 was her first in nearly six months. She traveled by carriage with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and shared a moment of affection with Prince William on the Buckingham Palace balcony. However, this appearance was not an indication of her resuming regular royal duties.
In a personal letter issued on June 14, Kate outlined her plans for the immediate future, confirming her attendance at Trooping the Colour. This letter was the first update on her health since her March 22 announcement. “I’m looking forward to attending the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” she wrote. “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal.”
Kate has been candid about her chemotherapy experience, describing the fluctuations between her “good days” and “bad days.” “I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well,” she explained.
Her treatment is ongoing and will continue for several more months. Kate has expressed joy in engaging with school life, spending personal time on activities that bring her energy and positivity, and doing some work from home when she feels well enough.
No decisions have been made regarding Kate’s future public engagements. Any upcoming appearances will depend on her health and the advice of her medical team.
The Princess of Wales’ resilience was evident at the King’s birthday parade, where she presented a united front with her family. This appearance has sparked hope that her healing process is progressing well. “The monarchy is going through one of the most difficult sets of challenges,” said Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth. “But it just felt like a corner had been turned.”
Kate’s decision to skip Royal Ascot underscores her commitment to her health and well-being. While royal watchers hoped for her return to public duties, insiders suggest that an autumn return is more likely. “I was leaning towards an appearance at Trooping the Colour, but too many people in the know have told me that an autumn return is more likely, since the royals typically break for a significant amount of time after Trooping,” shared royal commentator Kinsey Schofield.
Kate’s focus remains on her recovery and her family. She has been seen around town, looking upbeat, and her neighbors and her children’s schoolmates’ families have been protective of her privacy. “The children are wonderful and getting a lot of extra time and love from their ‘Mama’ and ‘Papa’ right now,” Schofield noted.
While Kate has not attended a royal engagement since Christmas, she continues to progress with the support of her husband, Prince William, and their children. “The response I have been receiving from my colleague who is in daily contact with [her husband] Prince William is that Kate is progressing very well with the support of her husband and children,” said royal expert Ian Pelham Turner.
Kate’s absence from Royal Ascot and other public events is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and well-being. Her journey through cancer treatment has been a testament to her strength and resilience, and her family and the public continue to support her as she navigates this challenging time.
