Monday, 25 May 2026
Princess Kate has not appeared at Royal Ascot today despite being listed to appear in the Royal Procession carriageGETTY
Princess Kate misses Royal Ascot appearance, expresses disappointment at absence
Princess Kate was noticeably absent from Royal Ascot today, despite being originally slated to appear in the Royal Procession carriage.
The Princess of Wales had been expected to join King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William at the event.
Sources tell GB News that Princess Kate is disappointed she was unable to attend.
Her absence follows two high-profile appearances—at Trooping the Colour on Saturday and at the Order of the Garter service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, just two days earlier.
Though listed for today’s Royal Procession, Princess Kate did not attend as planned.
With her absence, Prince William is now set to accompany King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud in the first carriage of the Royal Procession at 2pm.
The carriage list for Wednesday’s procession had initially included the Princess of Wales, but was later updated to reflect her withdrawal.
Kate is said to be disappointed at missing such a celebrated social and sporting occasion.
Her decision not to attend took many racegoers by surprise—especially as Prince William was already scheduled to present race prizes later in the day.
Earlier today, Ascot officials released the carriage list at midday naming the Princess as a passenger in the second carriage with William, but Kensington Palace confirmed her withdrawal before 12:30pm, leading to an amended official listing.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales’s mother, Carole Middleton, was present at Ascot, accompanied by Alizee Thevenet, who is married to Kate’s brother, James Middleton.