Royal Ascot, a five-day series of horse races, is the centrepiece of the summer social season in Britain, with members of the royal family attending throughout the meeting. Racegoers had hoped to see Kate on Wednesday, as Prince William was scheduled to awarding race prizes. William attended without his wife.
Kate, 42, announced on Sept 9 that she had completed treatment six months after revealing she had an undisclosed type of cancer.
The announcement came six weeks after Buckingham Palace said King Charles III was also being treated for cancer, stretching the ability of the royal family to keep up with its busy schedule of public appearances. Charles has also returned to public duties. (AP) SCY SCY