Kate cancels attendance at traditional event at last minute

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, unexpectedly cancelled her participation in the second day of Royal Ascot on Wednesday (18), a traditional horse racing event that brings together the British elite and members of the Royal Family.

The withdrawal was announced in a statement released by Kensington Palace, the official residence of the Prince and Duchess of Wales.

Kate was expected to be alongside Prince William at the traditional social event and one of the most anticipated of the year, but she pulled out shortly before the official procession began, which raised concerns about her health during her recovery from cancer.

Despite this, the statement released has a reassuring tone and explains that the Princess of Wales, 43, appeared in public and in good shape last Saturday, alongside her husband and three children, for the "Trooping the Colour" parade in celebration of the official birthday of King Charles III and appeared smiling on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

According to the statement, Kate "regrets" having to step down, but remains "committed to finding a good balance" between public duties and private life "following her battle with cancer" diagnosed last year.

Despite this, Kensington Palace has not clarified why the princess's presence was confirmed and cancelled just a few hours before the event, given that her name still appeared yesterday on the calendar of commitments of members of the Royal Family.

Last January, the Princess of Wales revealed that she was in remission from cancer, the nature of which was not disclosed. According to several media outlets, the Royal Family seeks to limit its public appearances.