Princess Kate's sudden withdrawal from the Royal Procession on the second day of Ascot was due to an administrative error rather than any health-related issue, sources close to the Royal Family have confirmed.
The Princess of Wales's unexpected absence from Royal Ascot yesterday raised eyebrows after she withdrew from the event seemingly at the eleventh hour.
Palace insiders moved quickly to quell any speculation, insisting the situation stemmed from administrative confusion rather than health concerns.
Royal aides emphasised that Kate was "continuing to balance her return to public life" after her cancer diagnosis last year, maintaining the careful approach she had previously outlined for resuming official engagements.
Princess Kate's sudden withdrawal from the Royal Procession on the second day of Ascot was due to an administrative error rather than any health-related issue, sources close to the Royal Family have confirmed.
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The confusion became apparent when Prince William attended the Berkshire racecourse alone to present the Prince of Wales stakes trophy, despite earlier expectations that his wife would accompany him in the traditional carriage procession from Windsor Castle.
Royal sources stressed there was "no cause for alarm" and that Kate was adhering to the guidance previously given about finding the right equilibrium in her duties.
The princess had recently made public appearances at both Trooping the Colour on Saturday and Monday's Order of the Garter service.
Sources revealed she was "disappointed" not to attend the races but "has to find the right balance" in her schedule.
Royal sources stressed there was "no cause for alarm" and that Kate was adhering to the guidance previously given about finding the right equilibrium in her duties.
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Kate, 43, underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024, and during the subsequent tests, cancer was discovered, leading to the royal undergoing preventive chemotherapy treatment.
Earlier this year, she announced she was in remission and would undertake a gradual and considered return to royal responsibilities.
The administrative mix-up unfolded when Ascot executives released the day's procession list at midday, listing both the Prince and Princess of Wales in the second carriage behind the King and Queen.
William joined King Charles, Queen Camilla and Saudi Arabia's Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud for the traditional procession, whilst an updated list was hastily distributed to correct the earlier mistake.
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Just 22 minutes later, revised guidance emerged confirming Kate would not be attending, with officials acknowledging an "inaccurate version" had been "issued in error".
The last-minute change necessitated a reshuffle of the carriage arrangements, with Lord Soames, a close friend of the King, losing his place to accommodate Prince William in the first carriage.
William joined King Charles, Queen Camilla and Saudi Arabia's Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud for the traditional procession, whilst an updated list was hastily distributed to correct the earlier mistake.