The Princess of Wales quietly resumes royal duties following Royal Ascot absence
Princess Catherine has returned to Windsor Castle, marking her first public engagement since her unexpected withdrawal from Royal Ascot last week. The Princess joined Prince William for a significant meeting with American philanthropist Melinda French Gates, as recorded in the Court Circular.
The private meeting took place near the couple’s Adelaide Cottage residence and was held on behalf of The Royal Foundation, the umbrella organisation for their charitable initiatives. Discussions focused on shared interests in early childhood development and mental health—areas central to both the Royal Foundation and French Gates’ own philanthropic work through Pivotal Ventures and the Gates Foundation.
This engagement signals a gradual return to public duties for the Princess of Wales, whose absence from Ascot raised concerns. On June 18, her name was briefly listed alongside Prince William in the official programme for the royal carriage procession before being removed just 20 minutes later.
Prince William attended the event alone, joining King Charles and Queen Camilla in the traditional procession. While no formal explanation was given, royal sources later shared that Catherine was “disappointed” to miss the summer highlight.
Her quiet reappearance at Windsor suggests a careful and intentional step back into the spotlight, with a renewed focus on the charitable causes closest to her heart.
