Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, will not attend the Royal Ascot horse racing event, which kicked off on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, a decision that raised concerns, considering it comes after her recent treatment for cancer.
Why Princess Kate pulled out of Royal Ascot
According to reports, a royal source explained that her absence is part of efforts to manage her return to public life gradually and safely.
According to royal insiders, Princess Kate is taking careful steps as she returns to her royal duties following cancer treatment in 2024. Although she had been expected to join other members of the royal family at the event, she has chosen to skip it.
The source said that the princess is “disappointed not to be attending” but added that finding balance is important as she continues to recover.
Kate has slowly been resuming her public responsibilities.
Earlier in 2025, she confirmed that her cancer was in remission. This followed a series of health challenges that began with abdominal surgery in January 2024.
At the time, her condition was not publicly known, which led to a wave of speculation.
In a video message in March 2024, Kate revealed that doctors had found cancer during post-surgery tests and that she had started a course of preventative chemotherapy. She stayed out of the public eye for several months to focus on treatment.
Her first major public appearance afterward was at Trooping the Colour in June 2024, a ceremonial parade marking the monarch’s official birthday.
By October, she resumed her royal duties fully, including visiting victims’ families of the Southport stabbings. In January 2025, during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, she confirmed her cancer was in remission.
Despite her absence, Prince William, her husband and the next in line to the British throne, is attending the Royal Ascot. He took part in the royal procession with his father, King Charles III, and stepmother, Queen Camilla.
Royal Ascot is one of the biggest horse racing events in the UK. It lasts five days and features top horses from around the world. The races can offer prize money of up to a million pounds.
Members of the royal family traditionally attend the event, making it an important moment in the royal calendar.
Kate’s absence is especially noticeable given that King Charles is also undergoing treatment for cancer. His diagnosis was made public in February 2024 after doctors found the illness during tests related to an earlier health issue.
The Palace has said both Charles and Kate are staying optimistic and committed to continuing their royal roles where possible. However, both are also expected to manage their appearances based on medical advice.
For now, Princess Kate’s withdrawal from Royal Ascot is understood as part of her focus on health and long-term recovery, not as a sign of a new health issue.
