Catherine, Princess of Wales pulled out of attending Royal Ascot "at the last minute" on Wednesday (18.06.25)
The 43-year-old royal was expected to join her husband, Prince William, King Charles and Queen Camilla in the traditional carriage procession at the racecourse
20 June 2025
However, she is believed to have cancelled the engagement as she tries to "find the right balance" amid her gradual return to royal duties, following her battle with cancer.
Royal correspondent Chris Ship shared to X: "Prince William will be at @Ascot today as expected but the Princess of Wales has decided, at the last minute, not to attend today. Ascot had previously named her in the second carriage.
"It's understood she's decided to find the right balance as she returns to public engagements."
Catherine was present at the Trooping the Colour event at Horse Guards Parade in London on Saturday (14.06.25).
The princess underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024 and later revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy, before confirming in January this year that she was in remission.
Catherine - who has Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, with the future king - revealed she was cancer-free as she paid tribute to the staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London, where she received treatment.
She wrote on her and William's social media channels: "I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.
"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.
"We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.
"In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.
"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. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C (sic)"
The princess went public with her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, and praised her husband for his support.
She said at the 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."
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