Princess Catherine unexpectedly withdrew from Royal Ascot, creating what palace insiders described as “a real sense of panic,” on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The 43-year-old was set to attend the prominent horse racing event in Ascot, England, alongside Prince William. Her name was removed from the official program just over an hour before the event was due to begin, leaving palace staff uncertain and concerned.
A former palace employee told The Daily Beast that questions arose regarding the situation. “This is one of the biggest days of the year in the royal calendar; you don’t just miss Ascot on a whim, so there was a real sense of panic,” the source stated.
Princess Catherine’s withdrawal is linked to her ongoing health journey that began in January 2024 with planned stomach surgery at The London Clinic, United Kingdom. During routine tests, doctors discovered cancer, leading to a significant change in her life.
Kate disclosed her cancer diagnosis on March 22, 2024, in a video message. She clarified that while the January surgery was initially for a non-cancerous condition, “tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” prompting her medical team to suggest preventative chemotherapy.
The announcement followed weeks of speculation regarding Kate’s health and whereabouts. The situation escalated in March 2024 when major news outlets, including the Associated Press and Reuters, removed a Mother’s Day family photo due to suspicions of digital alteration. Kate later apologized, admitting to editing the image.
Following her diagnosis, Kate began preventative chemotherapy in late February 2024. She largely stayed out of the public eye throughout 2024, making limited appearances at events such as Trooping the Colour in June and Wimbledon in July.
In September 2024, Kate announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment in another video featuring her family. The footage showed the Wales family engaging in activities together, with Kate expressing the challenges the family faced over the past nine months.
On January 14, 2025, Kate visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, United Kingdom, where she had received treatment. During this visit, she announced she was officially in remission, expressing relief and focusing on recovery, acknowledging the time needed to adapt to a new normal after cancer.
Since announcing her remission, Kate has gradually resumed royal duties, though her schedule is notably lighter. She attended Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025, with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and participated in the Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle two days later.
However, the demanding schedule, coupled with a heatwave in England, led to her decision to skip Royal Ascot. Kensington Palace stated that while Kate was disappointed not to attend, balancing her public responsibilities with her health is essential.
Royal commentators note that Kate is redefining traditional royal norms by prioritizing her health over public duties, a shift from the usual precedence of royal obligations over personal needs.
Behind the scenes, rumors briefly circulated about Kate’s health, suggesting she needed medical attention, but these were unfounded. Palace insiders noted that the manner of the announcement recalled the challenging period in 2024 when her health issues first emerged.
Despite Kate’s absence, Royal Ascot proceeded with Prince William joining King Charles, Queen Camilla, and a Saudi prince in the opening carriage. William later presented the trophy for the Prince of Wales’ Stakes. Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, and sister-in-law were present at the event.
Royal sources indicate no cause for concern regarding Kate’s health. Some reports suggested confusion arose from a paperwork error, listing Kate incorrectly before a corrected version was distributed.
Kensington Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer Kate had, maintaining privacy over medical details.
Kate’s experience highlights the intense public scrutiny during health challenges. A palace source noted the lack of privacy typically afforded to individuals facing similar situations. Despite these difficulties, her gradual return to public life underscores her commitment to resuming royal duties while prioritizing recovery.
