The Princess of Wales was expected to spend a day at the races but is still balancing public outings with recovering from cancer

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel

Kate Middleton attends Garter Day on June 16, 2025.Credit : Max Mumby – Pool via Samir Hussein/WireImage

NEED TO KNOW

Kate Middleton’s name appeared on a list of people who would attend Royal Ascot before it was revealed that she would not attend the event
PEOPLE understands that a wrong list was published before the correct one was issued
The Princess of Wales was said to be disappointed not to attend, but those close to her say she is finding the balance of public outings following her cancer treatment

There was a miscommunication behind the scenes when Kate Middleton pulled out of her anticipated return to Royal Ascot this week.

On Wednesday, June 18, the Princess of Wales was expected to attend the annual horse racing event with Prince William, and she appeared on the list of people who would ride in the carriage procession when it was first released. However, about 20 minutes later, it was revealed that Princess Kate would not attend the event.

PEOPLE understands that despite a change being made to the royals’ attendance, an inaccurate carriage listing was mistakenly initially issued by Ascot. The amended version showed Prince William moved from the second carriage in the procession, where he would have been seated with his wife, to the first coach, riding with King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia.

In addition to many of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ friends, also in attendance at Royal Ascot on Wednesday was Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, who joined the event with Alizée Thévenet, who is married to Kate’s brother, James Middleton. Carole was seen chatting with Prince William and King Charles during the day at the races.

King Charles III jokes with Carole Middleton as they attend day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse

King Charles and Carole Middleton at Royal Ascot on June 18, 2025.Samir Hussein/WireImage

The seemingly last-minute change in Kate’s schedule sparked concern as she recovers from cancer. The Princess of Wales announced her diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment in March 2024, spending most of the year out of the public eye. However, she announced in January that she was in remission and has returned to public royal duties in the months since.

Princess Kate was said to be disappointed not to be able to join Royal Ascot, but those close to her point out that she is still having to find the right balance as she works towards returning to public engagements following her cancer treatment.

Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson tells PEOPLE in this week’s exclusive cover story how Kate is pacing herself carefully and doing what’s best for her health and the well-being of her children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

“She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,” Anderson said.

Queen Camilla, King Charles III (wearing his Coldstream Guards uniform), Prince Louis of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales (Colonel of the Welsh Guards), Prince George of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales

Royals at Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The royal mom of three made two outings with the royal family in the days leading up to her Royal Ascot absence. On Saturday, June 14, she appeared at Trooping the Colour with William and their children, taking part in the parade through London and the Buckingham Palace balcony appearance to mark the monarch’s public birthday celebrations. Kate then stepped out at Windsor Castle on Monday, June 16, as Prince William and members of the royal family celebrated the annual Order of the Garter service.