The Princess of Wales made a celebrated return to Royal Ascot on Wednesday, taking part in the traditional Royal Procession alongside the Prince of Wales for the first time in three years.
Catherine, who last attended the Berkshire race meeting in 2023, rode with Prince William in the second carriage alongside the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon as thousands of racegoers lined the course to welcome the Royal Family.
Her appearance marked a significant moment after she missed Royal Ascot in 2024 while undergoing treatment for cancer.
There had been confusion surrounding last year’s meeting when the Princess’s name appeared in the official programme, prompting concern when she did not arrive. Kensington Palace later stressed that Catherine had never intended to attend and that her absence had always been expected as she focused on her recovery.
The Princess’s return was one of the highlights of the second day of the royal meeting, with spectators gathering along the railings to catch a glimpse of the future Queen as the procession made its way down the straight shortly before racing began.
Leading the procession in the first carriage were The King and Queen, accompanied by Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband, Daniel Chatto. Behind the Prince and Princess of Wales in the second carriage were the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon.
The third carriage carried Rory Stewart and his wife, together with Lady Sarah Keswick and the Marchioness of Lansdowne. In the fourth carriage were leading trainers William Haggas and John Gosden, accompanied by Maureen Haggas and Rachel Hood.
The Royal Procession, which has opened each day of Royal Ascot since 1825, remains one of the most cherished traditions of the sporting and social calendar.
