Prince William makes solo Royal Ascot outing after Kate Middleton pulls out last minute

Prince William has arrived at the second day of Royal Ascot solo, after Princess Kate pulled out of the event as she tries to find the right balance when it comes to engagements and her recovery from cancer treatment

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Royal procession arrives at Royal Ascot after Kate pulls out

Prince William has arrived at the Royal Ascot alone after Princess Kate pulled out of the event at the last minute. With one hour to spare before the second day of Royal Ascot began, it was revealed Kate would not be attending as she continues to find the right balance following her treatment for cancer.

William arrived in the first royal carriage alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud. The Prince of Wales had been down to travel in the second carriage alongside Kate, but was bumped up to his father’s carriage when it emerged Kate would not be there.

Despite his wife not being by his side, William is still attending the second day of the five-day meet in Berkshire, as he will award the winner of the Prince of Wales race with their trophy. In keeping with the strict formal dress code, William donned a traditional morning suit. Charles and Camilla were also dressed in their racing best, with Camilla opting for a rare pop of colour in monochromatic green outfit.

The Queen is wearing an emerald green crepe silk dress by Anna Valentine, emerald hat by Philip Treacy, and emerald and diamond drop brooch, which belonged to Her late Majesty.

Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh also made an appearance on the racecourse, despite not taking part in the royal carriage procession.

Racegoers had been hoping to see Kate as Prince William had been named as one of the figures awarding race prizes during the second day of the meet. Her name had also been included in the official programme as taking part in today’s carriage procession in the second carriage alongside William.

During one of the last races of the day, known as the Prince of Wales’ Stakes, William presented the winning jockey with a trophy, as they shook hands and smiled for a photo. 

But just minutes after the carriage list had been released, Kensington Palace confirmed she would not be there. It is understood she is trying to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements. A royal source reiterated that Kensington Palace has consistently stressed the need for ‘flexibility’ around the Princess of Wales’ public engagements.

The source added that the princess completed three engagements in the last week, attending the new V&A East Storeroom exhibition space in London, the King’s official birthday celebrations at Trooping the Colour on Saturday and Garter Day on Monday in Windsor.

The princess was said to be disappointed at not attending the famous social and sporting occasion in Berkshire with her husband and the King and Queen.

This is the second year in a row Kate has not attended the annual social event as during last year’s Royal Ascot, she was in the middle of her cancer treatment.

While Kate announced in January that her cancer was now in remission and she is focussed on healing, today’s statement confirmed that she is still trying to find the right balance between her royal duties and the effects of her health battle.

Kate and William have already been spotted at two major royal events this week: Trooping the Colour on Saturday to celebrate the King’s birthday, and Garter Day on Monday.