Catherine, Princess of Wales, unexpectedly withdrew from her planned appearance at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The decision comes as the Princess continues to navigate her return to public duties following her cancer treatment, prioritizing her health and recovery.
Racegoers and royal watchers had anticipated seeing the popular royal at the prestigious Berkshire horse racing event. The Princess was initially expected to join her husband, Prince William, along with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, potentially participating in the traditional carriage procession that marks the start of each day’s races. However, Kensington Palace confirmed her non-attendance shortly before the event.
Sources close to the Princess indicate she is disappointed to miss the high-profile social and sporting occasion. Her absence reflects her ongoing effort to find the “right balance” as she gradually increases her public engagements after completing chemotherapy earlier this year.
A Phased Return to Royal Life
The Princess of Wales has recently made several significant public appearances, signaling her phased return to official duties. Just days before Ascot, she attended the annual Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle and rode in a carriage alongside her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, at King Charles’s Birthday Parade, Trooping the Colour, in London. She also visited the V&A East Storehouse museum earlier in June. These appearances demonstrate her desire to engage with public life while still managing her recovery journey.
Her attendance at the Order of the Garter service was particularly poignant, as she had been unable to attend the previous year while undergoing treatment.
Focus on Health Following Cancer Journey
The Princess publicly shared her cancer diagnosis in a video message in March of the previous year, explaining that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy which she had begun the month prior, following abdominal surgery in January. She described the preceding nine months as “incredibly tough” for her family and stated that her focus was on “doing what I can to stay cancer free.”
In January of this year, Catherine confirmed her relief at being in remission. However, she has also been open about the challenges of adjusting to a “new normal” after a cancer diagnosis, emphasizing that it takes time to heal and recover. In a social media post signed “C,” she wrote, “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.” She expressed optimism, adding, “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to.”
Ascot Proceedings Continue
Despite the Princess of Wales’s absence, Royal Ascot Day Two proceeded with other senior royals in attendance. King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal procession, arriving in the first carriage accompanied by Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Prince William attended as planned, participating in the procession and later presenting prizes to race winners. Other royal family members, including Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and the Princess’s mother, Carole Middleton, were also pictured at the event.
Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” has noted that while the Princess is determined to fulfill her duties, her health remains paramount. She remains acutely aware of her significant roles within the Royal Family and has no intention of permanently stepping back from public life.
The Princess of Wales’s withdrawal from Royal Ascot underscores that while she is making positive steps back into public life, her recovery is ongoing, and her schedule will be managed carefully to ensure her long-term well-being.
