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The Princess of Wales missed the second day of Royal Ascot. Her Royal Highness was originally listed in the carriage procession for Wednesday. Catherine was due to ride in the second carriage with her husband Prince William, along with PGA Tour golfer Justin Rose and his wife, Kate Phillips; however, the Princess pulled out of the event. Instead, the Prince of Wales rode in the first carriage with King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.
Catherine is said to be "disappointed" to miss Royal Ascot, "but she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements," per the MailOnline.
The Princess of Wales was out earlier this week, looking impeccable at the Order of the Garter service in Windsor. The outing came two days after she attended Trooping the Colour with her husband and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The Princess last attended Royal Ascot in 2023. Catherine underwent major abdominal surgery in January of 2024. At the time, Kensington Palace said that based on the current medical advice, she'd unlikely return to public duties until after Easter that year. It was later revealed that tests after the Princess' surgery found that cancer had been present. The royal mom of three started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February of 2024, which she announced she was in the early stages of on March 22, 2024.
"This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” the Princess said in her announcement. “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok. As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."
Catherine revealed months later in September that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," the Princess said. "With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus."
"Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life," she continued. "William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."
After her first public appearance of 2025, Catherine shared that she was now in remission. In a personal message, the Princess of Wales said, "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. 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."