The Princess of Wales made her eagerly anticipated comeback to Royal Ascotthis week following a two-year absence from the prestigious racing event. William and Kate, who was sporting a stunning canary yellow dress by Roksanda that she previously donned at Wimbledon in 2022, along with the late Queen’s earrings, were seen savouring a day at the races alongside the King and Queen earlier this week.
And after participating in the traditional carriage procession, they made their way to the Royal Box where they observed the racing and were spotted in conversation with former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate.
The appearance represents Kate’s first attendance at the renowned Berkshire meeting since her cancer diagnosis in early 2024 and subsequent successful chemotherapy treatment.
She had been expected to join Charles and Camilla in the royal box last year but withdrew at the eleventh hour, leaving William to attend alone. At that time it was understood the princess was attempting to strike the right balance as she gradually resumed her public-facing duties following her cancer treatment.
The Royal Ascot procession remains a cherished tradition of the sporting occasion that signals the beginning of the day’s racing entertainment, described as “thrilling action on the track” by Charles and Camilla in the official programme. Spectators in the grandstand were treated to the sight of the couple riding along the course, with other notable guests including the King’s niece Lady Sarah Chatto and political commentator Rory Stewart, reports the Mirror.
They joined a host of other racegoers at Royal Ascot, including Kate’s mother, Carole, and her sister-in-law Alizee Thevenet, who is wedded to the princess’s brother James. Other royals present at the meeting today, but not participating in the procession, included Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Upon reaching the parade ring, where jockeys mount their steeds and winners are celebrated, the Waleses alighted from their coach and Kate curtseyed to her father-in-law as he greeted them. She engaged in conversation with the Queen while William chatted to other guests, with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh nearby.
Later in the day, William and Kate descended from the Royal Box to present jockey William Buick with a trophy for his victory in the Prince of Wales stakes on Ombudsman.
Charles and Camilla, who was elegantly attired in a cream button coat dress by Dior and a Philip Treacy hat, had high hopes for a Royal Ascot win when their horse Point of Law competed later in the Queen’s Vase – but it finished second from last. They also saw their thoroughbred Reaching High soundly defeated on Royal Ascot’s opening day in the Ascot Stakes yesterday, as thousands of racegoers cheered on their horses.