Carole Middleton was pictured arriving at Royal Ascot just minutes before Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales had pulled out of the event.
The Princess of Wales withdrew from today's Royal Ascot at the last minute, despite being listed to appear in the Royal Procession carriage alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William.
Kate's name appeared on the official carriage list published at midday, confirming she would travel in the second carriage with William during the traditional procession.
However, Kensington Palace announced her withdrawal before 12.30pm, less than two hours before the 2pm procession was due to begin.
Carole Middleton was pictured arriving at Royal Ascot just minutes before Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales had pulled out of the event.
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The sudden change caught racegoers by surprise, particularly as William had been scheduled to present race prizes on the second day of the prestigious meet.
Ascot officials quickly issued a revised carriage list reflecting Kate's absence from the event.
The royal's mother Carole Middleton was photographed arriving at the racecourse just moments before the Palace announced her daughter's withdrawal.
She was accompanied by Alizee Thevenet, who is married to Kate's brother James Middleton.
Carole was accompanied by Alizee Thevenet, who is married to Kate's brother James Middleton.
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GB News understands the Princess of Wales is disappointed not to attend the renowned social and sporting event.
The last-minute nature of the withdrawal suggests the Princess continues to carefully manage her public appearances whilst recovering.
Following the announcement, Prince William will now join King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud in the first carriage for the Royal Procession.
The Princess had been due to travel in the second carriage with William, but the arrangements were swiftly revised to reflect her absence from today's races.
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The Princess had made two significant public appearances in recent days, attending Trooping the Colour on Saturday and the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on Monday.
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The Princess had made two significant public appearances in recent days, attending Trooping the Colour on Saturday and the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on Monday.
Today's Royal Procession marks a particularly historic occasion, celebrating its 200th anniversary since beginning in 1825 during George IV's reign when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington.
The King and Queen attended yesterday's opening day of the races, welcoming guests to the royal box including Charles's nephew Peter Phillips and his partner Harriet Sperling, an NHS nurse.
The five-day meet remains one of the most significant events in the royal calendar, making Kate's absence from today's proceedings.
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