The carriages rolled on without her.
Just hours before she was due to join the Royal Procession at Ascot, Catherine, Princess of Wales, quietly withdrew from one of Britain’s most cherished summer traditions. Her name, once printed on the official carriage list, vanished in a last-minute update—leaving racegoers surprised and royal watchers concerned.
Kensington Palace confirmed the decision, citing the Princess’s ongoing efforts to “find the right balance” as she continues her recovery from cancer. Though she had appeared radiant at Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter service earlier this week, insiders say the decision to skip Ascot was made out of caution, not crisis.
“She’s disappointed,” a royal source shared. “But she’s listening to her body—and that’s the most royal thing she could do right now.”
Prince William arrived solo, seated in the first carriage alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Saud. The Princess had been slated to ride in the second carriage with William and professional golfer Justin Rose and his wife, Kate Phillips. Instead, her mother, Carole Middleton, and sister-in-law Alizée Thevenet were spotted among the crowd, offering a quiet show of support.
This marks the second consecutive year Catherine has missed Royal Ascot. Last year, she was undergoing chemotherapy. Now in remission, she’s easing back into public life—but on her own terms. “There are good days and bad days,” she said in a statement earlier this year. “I’m learning to be patient with uncertainty.”
The Princess’s absence was felt. “She brings such grace to the event,” said longtime attendee Margaret Ellis, adjusting her wide-brimmed hat. “But I admire her even more for knowing when to rest.”
As the races thundered on and champagne flowed, one seat in the royal enclosure remained empty—a quiet reminder that even in the most gilded circles, healing takes precedence over tradition.
