Princess Kate has pulled out of attending the Royal Ascot horse racing event six months after announcing her cancer was in remission.
The Princess of Wales will not be joining Prince William at the races, where her husband will present awards.
Newsweek understands she is disappointed not to go but wants to find the right balance in her return to full-time royal duties.
Prince William and Princess Kate attend Royal Ascot 2023 at Ascot Racecourse in England on June 23, 2023.
Prince William and Princess Kate attend Royal Ascot 2023 at Ascot Racecourse in England on June 23, 2023.
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Royal Ascot
Kate was diagnosed with cancer after abdominal surgery in January 2024 and had chemotherapy for around six months from February until September that year.
In January, she announced her cancer was officially in remission on the same day she visited the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received treatment.
During the visit, the princess acknowledged chemotherapy had been “really, really tough” and added: “You think treatment is finished, crack on with that…daily tasks…but that’s still a real challenge. And understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.”
After that visit, Kate posted on X, formerly Twitter: “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.
“We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.
“In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family well-being, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.
“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. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C”
In 2025, Kate has stepped up her public visits and on Monday attended the Order of the Garter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, alongside Prince William.
However, she is not yet working at the rate she did up to the end of 2023, before her abdominal surgery.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek’s The Royals Facebook page.
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