Princess of Wales’ Last-Minute Withdrawal Leaves Staff Anxious Despite Calm Official Statement
Catherine’s surprise decision to withdraw from Royal Ascot at the last minute has reportedly sent waves of anxiety through Kensington Palace, even as her team worked to project an image of calm.
The Princess of Wales was originally set to accompany Prince William to the iconic racing event. But on the day, the Prince of Wales arrived solo, joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla, leaving many royal watchers puzzled. While the Palace publicly suggested that Catherine’s absence was simply due to her prioritising health and “seeking balance” during her remission, insiders reveal that behind the scenes, the mood was far more unsettled.
A royal source described a “real sense of panic” among staff following the sudden change in plans. Confusion peaked when Catherine’s name remained on the official carriage list just an hour before the event began. According to one former courtier, “Everyone was wandering around going, ‘What is going on?’”
No detailed explanation was provided by the Palace, which only fuelled speculation and worry. Catherine, who announced she was “cancer free” in September 2024, has previously shared that her public appearances would depend on how she felt on the day, citing both “good and bad days” in her ongoing recovery.
Palace insiders compared the abrupt nature of the announcement to “the dark days of last year,” adding to the sense of unease. Although the official narrative painted the situation as routine, those within the Palace saw Catherine’s sudden withdrawal from one of the royal calendar’s most important events as anything but ordinary.
