Palace Clarifies Confusion Over Procession List as Princess of Wales
Prioritizes Recovery
Princess Catherine’s unexpected absence from Royal Ascot on Wednesday has left
many royal fans concerned, as speculation swirled following a mistaken
inclusion of her name in the official event lineup.
According to new reports, Kensington Palace had informed Ascot organisers
earlier in the day that the Princess of Wales would not be attending. However,
an administrative oversight led to confusion when an outdated version of the
procession list—featuring both Catherine and Prince William in the second
carriage behind the King and Queen—was mistakenly published at midday.
“The Palace notified Royal Ascot that the Princess would not attend, but
unfortunately an inaccurate version of the carriage list was issued in error
after that notification,” a source told The Mail. “The correct list was then
circulated.”
The mix-up required last-minute changes to the carriage arrangements. Prince
William ultimately joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin
Khalid Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia in the first carriage, with Lord
Soames—originally slated to ride—stepping aside. An updated list was
distributed just 22 minutes after the initial error.
Royal aides were quick to reassure the public that Catherine’s absence was not
cause for alarm. They emphasised that the Princess is still carefully managing
her gradual return to public life following her cancer diagnosis and treatment
earlier this year.
“Catherine knows she should not overdo things,” a source shared. “She is
grateful that her recovery has gone well, but things have not been plain
sailing. She had a busy day at Trooping the Colour at the weekend, and if
she’s feeling slightly under the weather, it’s better that she takes it easy.”
While fans were disappointed not to see their beloved royal at the event,
sources close to the Princess said she, too, had hoped to attend but is
learning to balance health and duty. “She has to find the right balance in her
schedule,” the insider added.
Princess Catherine underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024, during which
cancer was discovered. Following preventive chemotherapy, she is now in
remission and is expected to continue easing back into her royal role with
caution and care.
