The Princess of Wales stepped down from the carriage at the parade ring, curtseyed to the King, and chatted with the Queen as she made her triumphant return to Royal Ascot – her first appearance at the Berkshire meet since being diagnosed with cancer in early 2024.
Kate, who underwent successful chemotherapy treatment, had been forced to pull out of last year's festival at the last minute, leaving William to attend solo. At the time, it was understood she was trying to find the right balance as she made a full return to public-facing engagements.
“Kate returns to Royal Ascot for first time since cancer diagnosis, wearing yellow Roksanda dress and late Queen's earrings.”
She arrived on the second day of Royal Ascot in a carriage procession alongside William, riding behind the King and Queen in a tradition dating back 200 years to the reign of George IV. The royal party were cheered as they passed stands filled with racegoers waiting for the first race.
Kate wore a striking canary yellow dress by Roksanda – previously worn at Wimbledon in 2022 – and a matching Jane Taylor hat, with earrings that had belonged to the late Queen. The carriage carried the Waleses alongside the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon.
The King and Queen, meanwhile, saw their horse Point of Law finish second from last in the Queen's Vase, a day after their thoroughbred Reaching High was well beaten in the Ascot Stakes on the opening day. Despite the results, writing in the official programme, the royal couple told racegoers: “As owner-breeders ourselves, we know how hard it is to win races at Royal Ascot.”
Kate's return follows a busy period of public engagements, including Trooping the Colour with her children and Monday's Garter Day celebrations at Windsor Castle. She also recently took her first overseas trip since her cancer diagnosis.