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Kate Middleton was absent from the 2025 Royal Ascot, despite initially being listed on the carriage list
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Prince William attended solo and was seen sharing a smile with the Princess of Wales’ mother, Carole Middleton
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Royal experts tell PEOPLE the princess is “easing back into public life” following her cancer treatment
Kate Middleton was absent from day two of the 2025 Royal Ascot on Wednesday, June 18 — but the royal family appeared in high spirits despite her unexpected withdrawal.
The Princess of Wales pulled out of the annual event at the last minute, even after being included on the official carriage list alongside her husband, Prince William.
In her absence, William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in the royal procession and carried out a special role: presenting the trophy for the Prince of Wales’ Stakes. The honor went to Ombudsman, ridden by jockey William Buick.
Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, also attended the event with her daughter-in-law, Alizée Thévenet, who is married to Kate’s brother, James Middleton. At one point, Carole was spotted sharing a warm smile and lively conversation with Prince William.
Carole also spent time chatting with King Charles as they watched the races together from the royal box.
James Manning/PA Images via Getty
Prince William and Carole Middleton chat at the Royal Ascot on June 18, 2025
This is the second year in a row that Kate has missed Royal Ascot. Last year, William also attended solo as Kate was undergoing chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer, which she announced in March 2024.
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King Charles and Carole Middleton on June 18, 2025 at Royal Ascot
In this week’s issue of PEOPLE, royal experts and insiders share how Kate has slowly returned to public life this year following her cancer treatment.
Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson shared how the future monarch is pacing herself carefully and doing what’s best for her health and the well-being of her children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7
“She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,” Anderson said.
James Manning/PA Images via Getty
Alizee Thevenet and Carole Middleton on day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire on June 18, 2025.
The careful approach is important, as major changes are on the horizon for the royal family — the most obvious being William and Kate’s inevitable transition to ruling monarchs.
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“There are some major shifts coming behind the scenes,” a friend told PEOPLE “They are really finessing what works and what doesn’t.”
Read the original article on People