Princess Catherine Pulls Out of Royal Ascot Amid Gradual Public Return
LONDON — Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has withdrawn from her expected appearance at the Royal Ascot 2025, Buckingham Palace confirmed, as she continues to carefully manage her public engagements following a recent return to royal duties after cancer treatment.
The Princess had been scheduled to attend the prestigious horse racing event on Wednesday alongside her husband Prince William, as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla. She was also expected to participate in the event’s famed carriage procession, a tradition that dates back to 1825 during the reign of King George IV.
According to royal sources, Catherine is still finding a balance in her recovery, as she makes a cautious return to public life. Despite her absence, the Princess was described as “disappointed” to miss the social highlight, which draws more than 250,000 attendees across its five-day schedule in Berkshire.
On Wednesday, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the first carriage with Prince William and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Catherine and William were originally slated to share the second carriage with professional golfer Justin Rose and his wife Kate Phillips.
Her absence comes just days after Catherine was seen smiling and engaging warmly at the Order of the Garter ceremony in Windsor. She also attended Trooping the Colour on Saturday and visited the V&A East Storehouse museum on 10 June.
Princess Catherine first revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2025, after months of speculation about her health. In September, she completed her chemotherapy, stating her current focus is “doing what I can to stay cancer free.”
The Princess also missed last year’s Royal Ascot as she prioritized recovery. At the time, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from the public, sharing that she was “making good progress” but still “not out of the woods.”
The Royal Family’s deep connection with Ascot continues under King Charles and Queen Camilla, who inherited Queen Elizabeth II’s racehorses and even celebrated their first Royal Ascot victory in 2023 with their horse Desert Hero. This year, their horse Rainbows Edge is competing in the Kensington Palace Stakes.
Although Reaching High, their runner on Tuesday, finished ninth, the royal couple remains invested in continuing the family’s legacy at the iconic racecourse.
As Princess Catherine prioritizes her health while gradually resuming public duties, her absence at Royal Ascot underscores the careful steps being taken to ensure her long-term wellbeing—and the public’s ongoing admiration for her resilience.
