Kate Middleton made a last-minute decision to withdraw from attending Royal Ascot, a significant event in the British social calendar, citing her ongoing recovery from cancer as the reason.

The Duchess of Cambridge opted out of joining the Royal Family at the prestigious horse racing event situated 30 miles southwest of London, a notable fixture in the country's racing calendar.

This move was part of her efforts to strike a balance as she gradually resumes her public duties as the wife of Prince William, according to Kensington Palace.

An official mentioned that she expressed disappointment at missing the event and highlighted the need to carefully manage her public engagements.

Just two hours before the royal procession was set to begin, Kate was still listed in the program to ride in the second carriage with Prince William, but in the end, he arrived with other members of the royal family.

The event marked the 200th anniversary of the procession, initiated by King George IV in 1825, with historical significance attached to it.

Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, did attend Royal Ascot in her place.

Following her remission announcement in January, Kate has been gradually resuming her public appearances, with her most recent one being at an Order of the Royal Garter service in Windsor.

Speculations arose about her absence at Royal Ascot, with some attributing it to factors like the event itself or the weather, given the high temperatures on the day of the event.

King Charles, who is also a cancer survivor, was diagnosed in February 2024, around the same time Kate announced her own diagnosis.

The late Queen Elizabeth II, known for her passion for horse racing, had a strong association with Royal Ascot, with horses she owned or bred achieving numerous victories at the renowned track over the years.