Princess of Wales’s Absence Explained as Organisers Admit to Clerical Error
King Charles and Carole Middleton were spotted enjoying a light-hearted exchange at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, highlighting their seldom-seen public connection during one of the most prestigious events of the royal calendar.
Carole, mother of Princess Catherine, arrived in elegant fashion just moments before it was announced that the Prince of Wales would no longer be attending the event as initially planned. Her appearance, alongside her daughter-in-law Alizée Thevenet—who is married to Catherine’s brother, James Middleton—added a family flair to the royal proceedings.
The Prince’s sudden absence surprised many, as he had been expected to present race prizes later in the day. Adding to the confusion, an official Royal Procession list released around midday had placed both the Prince and Princess of Wales in the second carriage behind King Charles and Queen Camilla.
However, royal sources later clarified that Princess Catherine’s absence was not due to health concerns but rather a result of an administrative oversight. As reported by GB News, Ascot organisers admitted the early version of the procession list had been “incorrectly released,” mistakenly including the couple.
Despite the last-minute changes, Carole Middleton appeared in good spirits throughout the day and was seen warmly interacting with the King—a rare public moment between the two families united by their shared love for Catherine.
The Princess of Wales, meanwhile, has made two key public appearances in recent days—attending Trooping the Colour on Saturday and the Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor on Monday—as she continues her careful return to royal duties following her health challenges.
While the mix-up led to brief speculation, the Palace’s reassurance confirmed there was no cause for concern, and the royal family continued to enjoy the pageantry and tradition of Royal Ascot.
