Kate Middleton news: Princess of Wales should be applauded for putting her health first after last minute Royal Ascot cancellation | Opinion

OPINION – – The Princess of Wales knew she would be disappointing many by choosing to skip the second day of Royal Ascot, arguably one of the highlights on the royal calendar.

But Catherine has done exactly as she should by putting herself, and her health, above all else.

After what has been a busy year of steady engagements since announcing her remission from cancer in January, the 43-year-old – understandably – needed a break after what has been a big week of major events.

READ MORE: Prince William seen at Royal Ascot without Kate for second year

Kensington Palace has not commented on the princess’s decision to pull out of Royal Ascot at the last minute after her appearance had already been listed in the official carriage procession for Wednesday.

The move is believed to have been made as Kate tries to find the right balance between work and rest following her battle with cancer.

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She is understood to be “disappointed” at not being at Royal Ascot, after being forced to miss the festival last year due to chemotherapy treatment.

The Prince of Wales attended without his wife for a second year in a row. But Prince William did enjoy the company of Kate’s mother Carole Middleton and Alizee Thevenet, the wife of Kate’s brother, James.

Their presence at the event surely can be taken as a reassuring sign that Kate’s health journey is continuing on a positive trajectory, her cancellation just a small bump in what has been a remarkable road to recovery over the past 18 months.

Of course, the announcement of Kate’s 11th-hour cancellation has caused alarm because of what she has been through.

But we have to remember the positive moves by the princess in recent months.

The past week, alone, has been a big one for her and the royal family beginning with the King’s birthday parade – Trooping the Colour – on Saturday. That event saw Kate and her children ride in a carriage to watch a military parade before appearing one the Buckingham Palace balcony.

On Monday, she was in attendance at Garter Day inside the grounds of Windsor Castle – another event that saw her take centre stage in the warm sun with cameras following her every move.

At both outings, the Princess of Wales looked every bit the picture of health as she smiled and laughed with her family, as ever the epitome of grace and poise.

We know that in reality, and behind the scenes, Kate is probably feeling far from perfect despite appearances.

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She has surprised so many by making an epic comeback this year, with what appears to be a full diary of royal events reflecting an almost back to normal schedule.

Since announcing she was in remission during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in January, where she underwent chemotherapy in private, the princess has carried out more than 20 engagements.

Kate had her first overnight stay since her diagnosis in March last year when she and William celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on the Isle of Mull as part of a two-day visit in April.

In September last year Kate, herself, said of her cancer journey that it “is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you”.

In a statement in June, shared ahead of last year’s Trooping the Colour (her first public appearance of 2024) she said she was “taking each day as it comes”.

“As anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” Kate said, adding “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty”.

Kate is prioritising herself and the needs of her family, mainly her three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.

Anyone with young children will know the complexities parents must navigate when dealing with serious illness and the impact it has on the wider family unit.

Although her chemotherapy finished in September, the long-term effects of any type of cancer treatment would likely be an ongoing issue to deal with: fatigue and exhaustion among them.

King Charles, who was also diagnosed with cancer early last year, is still undergoing treatment but the nature of his has not been revealed.

The monarch was at Royal Ascot on day one and two and is expected to attend each day of the event, with no changes to his weekly treatment schedule according to aides.

His experience with cancer is obviously very different to that of his daughter-in-law’s and even though there are similarities, both would have very different priorities to meet.

Royal Ascot has another few days left before wrapping up for 2025 and there is still a possibility fans will see the Princess of Wales attend, if she feels up to it.

All the royals and star guests seen at Royal Ascot 2025

It is well within her right to say ‘no’, of course, and speculation about her absence is not something that should be done after the events of last year, when there were ridiculous online theories about why she had been absent from view – before she eventually revealed her diagnosis to the world.

Kate has been far more visible than anyone could have expected at the beginning of the year.

She was “taking each day as it comes” and said she would be “listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal”.

All Kate needs from her adoring public right now is kindness and support.

Her dedication to duty should be commended as equally as her dedication to her own health and wellbeing is.

That’s all anyone would want, if they were in her position.

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