Princess Kate Middleton has spoken out for the first time since her last-minute absence from the Royal Ascot.
The Princess of Wales, 43, released a touching statement about Children’s Hospice Week two days after her missed appearance at the annual horse race.
“No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,” the Friday, June 20, statement read. “Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated. Being able to access the support of one of the U.K.’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone.”
“As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices,” the statement continued. “Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.”
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Children’s Hospice Week is the U.K.’s annual awareness week for children’s hospices and palliative care services. It runs from June 16 through June 22, coinciding with the Royal Ascot festivities.
“This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times,” Kate’s statement concluded.
Kate was set to attend the Royal Ascot with Prince William on Wednesday, June 18, however, it was revealed at the last minute that she would not be appearing after all. Her mother, Carole Middleton, ultimately ended up attending the horse racing event with her daughter-in-law, Alizee Thevenet, who is married to Kate’s brother, James Middleton.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the Ascot Racecourse in England on Tuesday, June 17, to kick off this year’s festivities. The Royal Ascot will run through Saturday, June 21.
Last week, Kate joined the royal family at Trooping the Colour on June 14, the birthday parade held for Charles, 76, in London. She and William, 42, were seen walking with their kids, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, at the celebration.
Kate dazzled in a bright blue Catherine Walker dress with a Juliette Botterill hat at the parade. The color of her outfit was a nod to the blue plumes worn on the hats of the Irish Guards, as she is the Colonel of the Irish Guards. She has held the title since 2022, after it was bestowed upon her by Charles.
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Kate’s Trooping the Colour appearance came five months after she revealed she was in remission after a battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more,” she said at the time, thanking those who cared for her at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
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