Prince William's urgent promise to Kate before she pulled out of Ascot
Princess Kate left royal watchers concerned this week when she withdrew from the Royal Procession on the second day of Ascot. The princess seemed to pull out of the event at the eleventh hour but Buckingham Palace sources were quick to reveal this was due to an administrative error.
The Duchess of Cambridge announced her cancer diagnosis back in March 2024 following abdominal surgery that January. Kate then took time out of the public eye as she underwent preventative chemotherapy and at the start of the year, announced she was in remission from cancer and focussing on her recovery.
The royal recently made public appearances at Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter service and there was expectation she would accompany Prince William to the Berkshire racecourse in the traditional carriage procession from Windsor Castle this week. But Palace sources went onto say that while Kate was "disappointed" not to attend, finding the right equilibrium in her schedule was crucial for her recovery.
Prince William has also been keen to find the right balance between carrying out public engagements and supporting his wife. When he visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity in Surrey, last year he promised a member of staff he would "look after" Kate as she urged him to "take care" of her. "I will do, I will," William said repeatedly, during the discussion with Rachel Candappa, which saw him place his hand on her shoulder.
William, Kate and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis had previously retreated to the family home Anmer Hall in Norfolk when she shared her cancer news in an emotional video. Last weekend, the family of five marked Father's Day with two photos shared on the couple's social media account, with the accompanying caption reading: "Happy Father's Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L" along with a heart emoji.
And while Kate, who is now in remission, has been focussing on her recovery, she has been working on passion projects including her Early Years Initiative. The mother-of-three spent time studying research on improving the lives of babies, with The Princess's Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood funding a four-month long trial of a baby observation tool which could be used by health visitors to improve how they spot signs of social and emotional development in young children.
Back to Royal Ascot's second day and in his wife's absence, William travelled in the first royal carriage alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud. Donning a traditional morning suit, he awarded Billy Lee, rider of Ombudsman, the winner of the Prince of Wales's Stakes, with a trophy.
The five-day event in Berkshire is expected to attract a total of 250,000 spectators with extravagant fashion on display at today's Ladies Day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Kate misses huge Wimbledon moment despite 'pleading' to attend
While the Princess of Wales has long been an avid lover of the annual tennis tournament, there was one year she wasn't allowed to attend after being 'banned' from making an appearance in the royal box Princess Kate has long been an avid lover and supporter of Wimbledon, attending the annual tennis tournament numerous times over the years. While many royal spectators are hoping to catch a glimpse of the Princess of Wales this weekend for the finals, there have been a handful of times Kate has missed out on the action at SW19. While Kate managed to make it to Wimbledon last year for the men's final despite still being in recovery from her cancer treatment, there was one year that she was stopped from attending the tournament, despite her pleas to watch on from the royal box. During the tournament in 2013, the Princess was desperate to make it to the men's singles final that saw Sir Andy Murray gunning to become the first British man to win the Grand Slam since Fred Perry in 1936, as he claimed the win in a stunning showdown against Novak Djokovic. Kate was very eager to watch the match from courtside at Wimbledon, but as she was heavily pregnant with Prince George at the time, was advised not to attend and to watch the match from home instead. Recalling the year she was forced to sit out of the action for the BBC documentary Our Wimbledon, Kate told sports host Sue Barker: "I was very heavily pregnant with George so I wasn't able to turn up." Sue replied: "But you had a great excuse!" to which Kate said: "I know but even still." "I was sort of 'Maybe I could go' but the doctors were like 'no.' I wrote to [Andy Murray] afterwards saying sorry for not being there, but huge congratulations." Kate gave birth to Prince George on July 22nd 2013 - just two weeks after the epic Wimbledon showdown. Luckily for Kate, Andy Murray made the finals again three years later in 2016, and was able to attend in person, alongside Prince William, to see him lift the trophy after another winning performance. Meeting Murray after his match, Kate said: "Many congratulations; it was a great game." While William said: "So pleased for you, well done", and Kate added: "You can relax with your family now." Andy Murray retired from professional tennis in 2024, as Kate sent the Scottish champion a message of support after he missed out on a final match at Wimbledon before his retirement. Murray was due to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu last Saturday evening but the former US Open champion pulled out of the clash earlier in the day, citing stiffness in her right wrist. In a personally-signed message on social media, Kate wrote: "An incredible #Wimbledon career comes to an end. You should be so very proud @andy_murray. On behalf of all of us, thank you! C."
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Kate Garraway wears summer's trending print with Boden's 'beautiful' top
Looking for the perfect summer top? Kate Garraway may have just found it at Boden, and it comes in summer's trendiest print If you haven't noticed already, polka dots are taking over the high street this summer, cropping up in everything from dresses to skirts, handbags and shoes. And GMB presenter Kate Garraway is the latest celeb to hop on the stylish trend with a head-to-toe polka dot outfit. If you're looking to take some inspiration from Kate, you're in luck as we've found where to shop her exact top that fans say looks "stunning" and "beautiful" on her. The top in question is the Mila Trim Detail Top in Ivory, Navy French Dot from Boden. Priced at £42, this chic top has been labelled as "selling like hot cakes" on Boden's website, with sizes flying off the virtual shelves. With its full flutter sleeves and playful pom-pom trim, it adds just the right amount of fun to what would be a simple top. While the lightweight cotton makes it an easy and airy go-to for warmer day s. A lifesaver in the current heatwave. Designed in a straight fit with a flattering length that finishes at the hip, it's rounded off with a keyhole and button at the back. Style-wise, this top is super versatile. Tuck it into high-waisted denim jeans or wide-leg trousers for an effortless day look. Equally, take a page out of Kate's style book and double up the spots with some polka dot trousers. Kate's exact ones are the Elsie Spring Navy & Birch 40'S Polka Dot Trouser from L.K. Bennett, priced at £199. If you're after even more summer dressing inspo, actress Emily Atack is another whose summer style we've been loving. Emily recently praised Boden as the perfect place to shop if you've got bigger boobs. And the Paloma Jersey Maxi Dress, currently on sale for £78.40, is one of her current go-tos. While GMB presenter Ranvir Singh wowed viewers the other week with her Red Short Sleeve Gathered Waist Underbust Midi Dress from Lipsy. Priced at £49, the timeless floral print makes it ideal for summer weddings, garden parties or the races.
Edinburgh Live
14 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Kate Middleton's emotional Wimbledon moment that 'broke royal protocol'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Princess Kate, a keen enthusiast and backer of Wimbledon, is often seen at the prestigious tennis event and royal fans are eager to spot the Princess of Wales at SW19 for this weekend's finals. Many are also hopeful that Kate will continue her tradition of presenting the championship trophies as she has done before. In 2023, Kate, who took on the role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in 2016, once again had the honour of distributing the winners and runner-up trophies at Wimbledon, which included an endearing exchange with an emotional tennis star. During the award ceremony, Kate encountered Tunisian tennis ace Ons Jabeur, who was visibly moved after placing second in two back-to-back finals and experiencing a loss at the US Open Final earlier that year. As Kate awarded her the runner-up prize, they engaged in conversation, with the Princess conveying words of encouragement to the clearly upset sportswoman. (Image: Getty Images) Breaking away from the usual royal protocol in a heartfelt gesture, Kate shared a warm and comforting embrace with Jabeur, a moment the player reflected upon fondly during a later interview.. Jabeur said: "Obviously, she was very nice. She didn't know if she wanted to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me." When asked about the specifics of their conversation, Jabeur revealed: "Same thing after last year. To encourage me to be strong, to come back and win a Grand Slam, win a Wimbledon." Speaking to Hello!, Jabeur shared that it was Kate who offered the comforting gesture, saying: "She was really the nicest. She has watched me twice, losing the final twice. She kept asking me if she could hug me, and I was like, 'Who doesn't want a hug from a Princess', you know? "For me, it was such an amazing moment. And not just that, I felt her kindness and energy around me." (Image: Getty Images) Kate has had a passion for tennis since her youth and said in a 2017 BBC documentary to Sue Barker: "I have always watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up." Adding that the sport's influence is enduring, she said: "I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. It hasn't changed either, I think that's what's so wonderful." Numerous royal enthusiasts are eager to see if Kate will take a seat in the royal box at Wimbledon for this weekend's finals. Last year, the Princess of Wales graced Wimbledon alongside her sister Pippa and daughter Princess Charlotte for her second public outing of the year after undergoing cancer treatment. The only occasion Kate has not attended Wimbledon was in 2013 when, pregnant with Prince George, doctors recommended she remain at home.
