Kate Middleton’s Royal No Show at Royal Event Sparks Buzz as Princess Eugenie Takes the Lead
Royal watchers were in for a surprise on the final day of Royal Ascot as King Charles and Queen Camilla once again led the grand procession—without the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, in attendance. Her absence has sparked fresh speculation among fans who had hoped for a public appearance from the beloved royal.
Saturday marked the fifth consecutive day of the prestigious horse racing event, and while the King and Queen looked radiant in the lead carriage, all eyes were on the royal carriage list. Notably, only Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank joined the procession, riding in the second carriage behind the monarch.
Many had expected a larger royal turnout, especially as the event reached its climax. But it was the absence of Princess Catherine that left royal enthusiasts disappointed. Her name was missing from the official lineup, and she was nowhere to be seen on the Windsor grounds.
Kate was originally slated to make an appearance earlier in the week—specifically on the second day of Royal Ascot—but withdrew due to “last-minute schedule changes,” according to royal insiders. Though no official explanation was provided, the change in plans has only fueled curiosity about her ongoing absence from major royal events.
While some speculated that the decision was health-related or logistical, others believe it had more to do with a special family commitment. Saturday also happened to be Prince William’s 43rd birthday, and Kate was reportedly busy at home celebrating with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Rather than gracing the Ascot stage, the Princess of Wales opted for a private family celebration. Through the couple’s official Instagram account, Kate shared a touching photo of Prince William posing with their dog, Orla, and her new puppies. The image, taken by Kate herself, was accompanied by a loving message signed off with the initials C, G, C, L—representing herself and the children.
Fans who had hoped to see Kate at Ascot were quick to pivot their excitement toward the heartfelt birthday tribute. Social media was flooded with comments praising her decision to prioritize family, even as her absence at such a major event left some wondering if more is going on behind the scenes.
Read More: Kate Middleton and the Kids Break Silence with Emotional Birthday Surprise for Prince William
Despite Kate’s no-show, the final day of Royal Ascot maintained its usual glamour and tradition. King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared relaxed and cheerful, waving to the crowd as their carriage rolled through the racecourse. The royal couple’s repeated attendance throughout the week showcased their commitment to tradition—and their growing visibility as the monarchy transitions into a new era.
Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s presence in the second carriage also drew attention. With many senior royals absent, their inclusion felt like a subtle nod to the next tier of royal family members, especially at a time when roles and responsibilities are shifting.
But it was the silence surrounding the Princess of Wales that stood out most. Even though the Palace has remained tight-lipped, insiders continue to stress that Kate is focusing on her family and health, stepping back from public duties to recalibrate and support her children behind the scenes.
For many royal fans, Kate’s decision to skip Ascot in favor of a quiet celebration at Windsor only reinforced her image as a devoted wife and mother. While her absence may have dimmed the royal star power at the racecourse, it added a deeply human element to the birthday celebrations happening behind closed doors.
Still, questions linger. Will Kate return to public life soon, or is this part of a longer-term scaling back of her royal appearances? The Palace’s continued discretion suggests that future updates will be minimal—and carefully timed.
One thing is certain: whether on the red carpet at Ascot or in the backyard with her children, the Princess of Wales continues to command attention—even when she’s not there.
