Kate Middleton withdrew from attending Royal Ascot, one of the largest events in the British social calendar, with palace officials saying she was attempting to find the "right balance" as she recovers from cancer.

As Prince William arrived at the event alone, a friend told Vanity Fair that the Princess of Wales has already been busier this year than previously expected.

Middleton’s most recent appearance at Royal Ascot came in 2023, when she wore a fiery red midi dress courtesy of Alexander McQueen. The Princess of Wales coordinated the flowing, long-sleeve dress with statement earrings by Paris brand Sézane and wore a wide-brim hat in a similar shade of red by Philip Treacy.