Catherine, Princess of Wales dropped out of a planned engagement at Royal Ascot at short notice on Wednesday. Kate, 43, had been expected to join her husband Prince William as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla at the horse racing event. Racegoers were hoping to see the popular royal during the traditional carriage procession at the racecourse.

Catherine has slowly returned to public events after cancer treatment and had been expected in the procession of Royal Ascot, but she abruptly canceled.

Kate Middleton withdrew from attending Royal Ascot, one of the largest events in the British social calendar, with palace officials saying she was attempting to find the "right balance" as she recovers from cancer.