Royal Ascot: Kate Middleton's withdrawal left Prince William 'sad and subdued'
She continues to balance her health with dutiesKate Middleton’s withdrawal from Royal Ascot this week reportedly left Prince William “sad” and “subdued”, according to a body language expert.
On Wednesday, the Princess of Wales, 43, was due to attend the horse racing event. However, it was later confirmed she wouldn’t join other members of the royal family, including her husband Prince William.
It comes as Kate continues her cancer recovery.
Since announcing she was in remission with her cancer in January 2025, the Princess of Wales has returned to duties at her own pace.
Why was Kate not at Ascot?
According to reports, the Princess of Wales felt “disappointed” not to go. However, reports claimed she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public duties.
Kate had initially been listed by Royal Ascot as arriving in the carriage procession with husband Prince William.
However, it was later confirmed Kate wouldn’t be attending and a revised carriage list was published by Ascot.
Prince William still attended the event alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. But, according to a body language expert, the Prince of Wales appeared “sad” without his wife by his side.
Prince William ‘subdued’ amid Kate Middleton’s withdrawal from Ascot
Judi James told the Express: “While his father, the king, chatted happily to their guest in the carriage, using some animated, good-humored body language displays, William seemed to sit back quietly with a slightly slumped posture, looking subdued and rather reflective without Kate at his side.”
Judi said the Prince of Wales looked “sad and subdued”.
Kate attended Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter before Ascot
Kate was last seen on Monday (June 16) when she attended the Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Last weekend, she also attended Trooping the Colour – the king’s official birthday parade – with other members of the monarchy.
In January, Kate announced she was in remission with her cancer. However, she said she would slowly return to royal duties at her own pace.
She’s since been prioritising her health and keeping a balance between that and her work.
Princess of Wales’ cancer battle
In March 2024, the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis with the world. It came at a time of immense speculation about her whereabouts as she hadn’t been seen since Christmas Day 2023.
She then stepped back from duties to undergo treatment.
In January, she said of being in remission: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
In September last year, Kate announced she had completed her treatment. She admitted: “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
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