They skip gatherings, too: Here's why a Royal figure opted out of this year's Royal Ascot
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The Royal Ascot is one of the most glittering events on the British social calendar.
It's a week where the world's eyes turn to the parade of hats, horses, and the Royal Family.
So when news broke that a member of the British Royal Family pulled out of the event, it sent the rumour mill into overdrive.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, decided to skip this year's Royal Ascot at the last minute.
Was it a health scare? A family emergency? Or something more mundane?
Here's what happened and what it means for the Princess's return to public life.
The official Royal Ascot carriage procession list was released at midday, with both Prince William and Princess Catherine scheduled to appear in the second carriage.
They were supposed to follow behind King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.
However, 22 minutes before the procession, a revised list revealed that Princess Catherine was out.
Prince William was bumped up to the first carriage with the King and Queen Consort.
Along with the British Royals was Saudi Arabia's Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.
Lord Soames, a close friend of the King, lost his seat to give way to Prince William.
The last-minute change sparked concern and speculation among royal onlookers.
After all, Princess Catherine recently resumed public appearances, albeit rare.
Royal sources quickly reassured the public that it should be 'no cause for alarm'.
According to palace aides, the confusion was a case of crossed wires and an 'inaccurate version' of the procession list.
More importantly, they reiterated that Princess Catherine is still carefully balancing her return to public life.
The Princess recently appeared at the Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter services.
While the Princess was 'disappointed' that she was not able to attend the Royal Ascot, she continued following medical and personal guidance to take things slowly.
After all, her health and well-being continue to be her top priority.
Since her diagnosis, Princess Catherine has been open about her health journey.
After her surgery last January, she revealed that cancer had been present and that she would need time to recover.
Earlier this year, she announced that she was in remission and would begin a 'slow and measured' return to royal life.
Her recent public appearances were met with support and admiration from royal spectators.
Yet, as any cancer survivor would know, the road to recovery is not always linear.
Some days are better than others, and pacing oneself is a crucial part of recovery.
While Princess Catherine was absent from the Royal Ascot, the rest of the Royal Family put on a united front.
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla attended for the second day running, with Camilla in a vibrant emerald dress and matching hat.
The King welcomed Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret's daughter, and her husband Daniel Chatto.
He also welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to the activities.
Princess Catherine's mother, Carole Middleton, was spotted at Ascot, along with her daughter-in-law, Alizee Thevenet.
This year marked the 200th anniversary of the Royal Ascot carriage procession.
The tradition began in 1825, thanks to King George IV.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate supporter of the event, with more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her reign.
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla have continued this close association.
Learn more about the tradition here:
Source: AscotRacecourse/YouTube
Why the fuss for the Royal Ascot?
For many Australians, the ins and outs of royal attendance seem overblown.
Yet, for the British public and royal fans worldwide, these events are more than just pageantry.
They are a sign of continuity, stability, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Princess Catherine's absence is a reminder that even Royal Family members are human, with challenges and priorities just like anyone else.
If the palace's statements are anything to go by, the public could see Princess Catherine at more events in the near future.
In the meantime, the rest of the Royal Family will continue to represent the monarchy at high-profile events, with Prince William stepping up alongside his father.
Have you ever had to pace yourself after an illness or major life event? Do you think the Royal Family is handling Catherine's return to public life the right way? We would love to hear your stories in the comments below!
MORE ROYAL NEWS: Insiders reveal Princess Catherine's next steps following her royal comeback
It's a week where the world's eyes turn to the parade of hats, horses, and the Royal Family.
So when news broke that a member of the British Royal Family pulled out of the event, it sent the rumour mill into overdrive.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, decided to skip this year's Royal Ascot at the last minute.
Was it a health scare? A family emergency? Or something more mundane?
Here's what happened and what it means for the Princess's return to public life.
The Prince and Princess of Wales during the 2023 Royal Ascot. Image Credit: YouTube/At The Races
The official Royal Ascot carriage procession list was released at midday, with both Prince William and Princess Catherine scheduled to appear in the second carriage.
They were supposed to follow behind King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.
However, 22 minutes before the procession, a revised list revealed that Princess Catherine was out.
Prince William was bumped up to the first carriage with the King and Queen Consort.
Along with the British Royals was Saudi Arabia's Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.
Lord Soames, a close friend of the King, lost his seat to give way to Prince William.
The last-minute change sparked concern and speculation among royal onlookers.
After all, Princess Catherine recently resumed public appearances, albeit rare.
Royal sources quickly reassured the public that it should be 'no cause for alarm'.
According to palace aides, the confusion was a case of crossed wires and an 'inaccurate version' of the procession list.
More importantly, they reiterated that Princess Catherine is still carefully balancing her return to public life.
The Princess recently appeared at the Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter services.
While the Princess was 'disappointed' that she was not able to attend the Royal Ascot, she continued following medical and personal guidance to take things slowly.
After all, her health and well-being continue to be her top priority.
Since her diagnosis, Princess Catherine has been open about her health journey.
After her surgery last January, she revealed that cancer had been present and that she would need time to recover.
Earlier this year, she announced that she was in remission and would begin a 'slow and measured' return to royal life.
Her recent public appearances were met with support and admiration from royal spectators.
Yet, as any cancer survivor would know, the road to recovery is not always linear.
Some days are better than others, and pacing oneself is a crucial part of recovery.
While Princess Catherine was absent from the Royal Ascot, the rest of the Royal Family put on a united front.
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla attended for the second day running, with Camilla in a vibrant emerald dress and matching hat.
The King welcomed Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret's daughter, and her husband Daniel Chatto.
He also welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to the activities.
Princess Catherine's mother, Carole Middleton, was spotted at Ascot, along with her daughter-in-law, Alizee Thevenet.
This year marked the 200th anniversary of the Royal Ascot carriage procession.
The tradition began in 1825, thanks to King George IV.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate supporter of the event, with more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her reign.
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla have continued this close association.
Learn more about the tradition here:
Source: AscotRacecourse/YouTube
Why the fuss for the Royal Ascot?
For many Australians, the ins and outs of royal attendance seem overblown.
Yet, for the British public and royal fans worldwide, these events are more than just pageantry.
They are a sign of continuity, stability, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Princess Catherine's absence is a reminder that even Royal Family members are human, with challenges and priorities just like anyone else.
If the palace's statements are anything to go by, the public could see Princess Catherine at more events in the near future.
In the meantime, the rest of the Royal Family will continue to represent the monarchy at high-profile events, with Prince William stepping up alongside his father.
MORE ROYAL NEWS: Insiders reveal Princess Catherine's next steps following her royal comeback
