Princess of Wales Kate Middleton was expected to attend Royal Ascot on Wednesday but pulled out at the last minute as she continues to focus on her health and recovery following cancer treatment.She was expected to join Prince William on Wednesday, June 18, for the second day of the prestigious horse racing event. Sources told Daily Mail that Kate is “disappointed” to miss the event in Berkshire, but is focusing on her health and taking time to find the right balance before returning to full public duties after her cancer treatment.Ascot officials had initially confirmed at 12:00 pm (local time) that the Princess would ride alongside Prince William in the second carriage of the traditional royal procession. However, by 12:30 pm, Kensington Palace confirmed her absence, and a revised carriage list was issued, placing William in the first carriage with King Charles and Queen Camilla.Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, was seen arriving at the racecourse shortly before 12:20 pm, wearing a dress from luxury brand ME+EM. She was accompanied by her daughter-in-law Alizée Thevenet, who is married to Kate’s brother, James Middleton.Kate, 43, has been making a gradual return to public life since she revealed in January that she was in remission after undergoing cancer treatment. Over the past week, she made appearances at three major royal events — Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter ceremony, and a private visit to a V&A Museum storage facility in London, signaling a cautious re-entry into official engagements.Sources close to the royal family said that the Princess is taking a measured approach as she continues to recover. Ailsa Anderson, Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman, told PEOPLE magazine that, “She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life.”Kate had been undergoing chemotherapy since late February of last year, following a diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer. The past few days have been particularly busy for the royal couple. Over the weekend, they were joined by their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — at the King’s birthday parade, and they appeared again at Windsor Castle for the Garter Day service on Monday.
