Princess Kate Middleton makes 'sensible decision' missing Prince William's polo match after being 'centre stage'
The right decision?
Princess Kate was notably absent as her husband Prince William made his annual appearance playing polo for charity today (Friday July 11).
The match tops off a busy week for the heir to the throne and his wife, with Prince William telling Instagram followers he is “proud” to have taken part in the Royal Charity Polo Cup at Windsor.
“Now in its 14th year, the match continues to raise funds for organisations carrying out vital work across the UK and beyond,” a Story post explained.
However, while Princess Kate – whose battle with cancer was revealed in March 2024 – was available for royal duties this week during President Macron’s state visit to the UK, she was not on hand to cheer her hubby on as he swung his polo mallet this time around.
Why was Princess Kate not at the polo today?
Speaking exclusively to Royal Insider, royal biographer Duncan Larcombe reckons Princess Kate has probably skipped the polo due to an abundance of caution.
With the current heatwave sending the mercury soaring, author Mr Larcombe believes the mum-of-three made the decision to prioritise her own wellbeing.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean Princess Kate has suffered any adverse reaction to the balmy conditions.
He explained: “I think in this heat she has probably took a sensible decision to stay out of the sunshine. Let’s hope that’s all that is, and no indication there are some complications.”
‘People start to draw conclusions’
Mr Larcombe also pondered whether Princess Kate may have over-exerted herself.
He said: “It has been a very busy week – she was very much centre stage with the state visit of President Macron. You sort of wonder if that’s enough for her this week. Maybe that tired her out a bit.
“Unfortunately for Kate, every time she misses official engagements or has to cancel, people will start to draw inevitable conclusions that she’s not as well as we are lead to believe. But I don’t think it’s time to panic just yet.”
I don’t think it’s time to panic just yet.
Mr Larcombe went on to reason: “I think she is reserving the right to pick and choose what she does at the moment. If she isn’t feeling up to it, she has no qualms about staying at home.”
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However, Mr Larcombe admits he may be slightly more concerned if she does not appear in SW19 for the tennis this weekend.
“Kate has become in recent years a staple of Wimbledon,” he went on.
“If she doesn’t go – one of the things she enjoys the most in the years in terms of her official jobs – that perhaps would be a worry.”
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