Kate Middleton Breaks Silence After Canceling Royal Ascot Appearance
Kate was expected to return to the annual horse race this year after skipping it in 2024.
The Gist
- Kate Middleton is speaking up after she cancelled her appearance at Royal Ascot the same day she was scheduled to attend.
- She missed out on the horse race last year because she was undergoing cancer treatment.
- Kate's statement focused on her patronage of children's hospices.
Kate Middleton made her first public statement after making a last-minute decision not to attend Royal Ascot. The Princess of Wales, who is currently recovering from cancer treatment, was slated to make an appearance at the annual horse race following her absence last year.
In a statement issued Friday, Kate focused her attention on the important work of children's hospices, having visited East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan as a patron.
“No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life," Kate's statement began. "Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated."
“Being able to access the support of one of the U.K.’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone," she continued.
“As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices," Kate said. "Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond."
Kate was noticeably absent from Royal Ascot in 2024, as she was still undergoing treatment. She was initially confirmed to be attending this year before abruptly canceling her appearance the day of.
“Those close to her point out that she is still having to find the right balance as she works towards returning to public engagements following her treatment for cancer,” the publication added.
