The royals were out in force at Royal Ascot in mid June, days of world-class horse racing, with spectators in top hats and whimsical fascinators sipping on Pimm’s Cup and riding in open carriages to the course in Berkshire, England, about 25 miles west of London. Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, of course, was not among the well-dressed crowd.
Minutes after Buckingham Palace’s official carriage list was released — indicating that Kate and her husband, Prince William, would arrive in a horse-drawn landau — Kensington Palace announced the 43-year-old would not attend. After initially claiming the list was sent in error, a royal source told ABC News that Kate was “disappointed” to miss the social event, but “has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing duties.”
It’s a stark reminder that the princess, who revealed in March 2024 that she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, is still not completely well. And once again, she is torn between her duties as the future queen and her need to take care of her health. “It’s a delicate balance whereby Kate is striving to care for herself and still carry out royal duties,” an insider tells Star. “Kate has good days and bad days, that’s just part of her recovery.”
Finding Meaning
The princess’ illness, which involved abdominal surgery in January 2024 as well as chemotherapy, has made her more reflective of how she spends her time. In a video last June, the mom of George, 11, Charlotte, 10, and 6-year-old Louis explained that on bad days she felt “weak” and “tired,” adding, “But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”
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While she skipped Ascot, Kate made sure to fulfill a less glitzy obligation, penning a June 20 letter to draw attention to the work of children’s hospices. Naming two that she is patron of, Kate wrote of the privilege of seeing them “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.”
Her own brush with mortality has left Kate even more devoted to her young family. “As harrowing as the illness was on Kate, it did teach her a lot about priorities,” notes the insider. “Spending time with her kids, as well as William of course, is her biggest priority bar none.” She’s also determined not to worry her children. “She keeps them up to speed on her health,” adds the insider, “reassuring the kids that she’s getting better and better as time goes on.”
Future Queen
Kate’s health setback comes as her father-in-law, King Charles III, is also battling cancer, reportedly undergoing weekly treatments. The 76-year-old’s declining health has no doubt put pressure on Kate and future king William, 43, as they face the prospect of ascending to the throne far sooner than they expected. “Kate is acutely aware that she’ll be queen one day and is mindful that she has to prepare for that eventuality,” explains the insider.
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At the same time, Charles — who attended Royal Ascot with his wife, Queen Camilla, 77 — has barely slowed his busy schedule. “Seeing King Charles carrying on with his full workload even whilst he’s so poorly is something Kate finds admirable,” says the insider. “But at the same time there’s probably a lingering worry that she may look like she’s slacking by comparison.”
Not that the king is pointing fingers. Throughout their illnesses, Charles and Kate have grown close, reveals the insider. “They’ve bonded enormously. There’s so much mutual respect between the two, and as awful as it’s been, the one positive is that it’s brought them so much closer together.”
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William, too, has discovered a new appreciation for the woman he met as an undergrad at Scotland’s University of St Andrews and wed in 2011. “He’s quick to quell any anxiety or jitters she may have,” says the source. “He often goes out of his way to reassure Kate that by taking a step back from time to time she’s by no means neglecting her royal duties.”
As one of the most popular royals in the family, Kate is still learning how to put herself first. “The people love her, the royal family appreciate her,” says the insider. “ Still, she’s a perfectionist at heart, always striving to contribute and fulfill her role to the best of her abilities.