Kate Middleton has pulled out of a scheduled return to Royal Ascot.

The Princess of Wales was set to return to the annual horse racing event with Prince William for the second day of racing on Wednesday, June 18.

She is said to be dippointed not to be able to join, but those close to her point out that she is still having to find the right balance as she works towards returning to public engagements following her treatment for cancer.

Kate was initially listed on the carriage list for Wednesday when it was published. She was to have joined William in the second carriage. It has now emerged that he will be seated with his father King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Her mother Carole Middleton was pictured arriving at the racecourse, which is just a few miles from Windsor Castle, at around 12.20 p,m. local time.

Later, during the races, William is set to take on a special duty at the racecourse: presenting the trophy to the winner of the Prince of Wales’ Stakes.

The royal couple have been fixtures at Royal Ascot over the years, though last year William attended solo as Kate was undergoing chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer. He was seen mingling with members of the royal family as well as his in-laws, Carole and Michael Middleton.

The Princess of Wales spent much of 2024 out of the public eye while focusing on her health, but announced in January that she is in remission and has begun a careful return to royal duties.