Kate Middleton shares heartfelt message after unexpectedly pulling out of Royal Ascot

Kate Middleton is still taking time to support causes that are important to her after pulling out of her planned Royal Ascot appearance.

The royal, 43, shared a public message on Friday to highlight Children’s Hospice Week.

“No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,” Middleton wrote. “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 UK’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone.”

The mother of three shared her own experience as the Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice.

“I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices,” she 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.”

“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,” she concluded.

Middleton visited Tŷ Hafan in January, when she was photographed spending time with patients and their parents. The late Princess Diana was a major advocate for Tŷ Hafan — which is Welsh for “Haven House” — and even helped fund the project.

The Princess of Wales made headlines on Wednesday when she skipped her Royal Ascot appearance at the last minute, as she continues to balance her royal duties with her cancer treatment.

Ascot officials confirmed that she was going to appear in the second carriage of the royal procession with her husband, Prince William, in a published carriage list. But less than half an hour later, Kensington Palace confirmed she wouldn’t be attending the annual horse race.

Ascot published a revised list that did not include her name, noting William would now be in the first carriage with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Her latest public appearance was at Trooping the Colour 2025 on June 14, when she appeared in good spirits alongside her children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. It marked her first Trooping the Colour since she revealed she’s in remission from cancer.