What Princess Kate's Royal Ascot decision really tells us about her health

A year after social media was alight with conspiracy theories and rampant speculation about the Princess of Wales, the trolls are at it again. The internet is aflame with endless theories and vitriolic criticism after Kate’s last-minute decision not to attend Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

It’s clear that the keyboard warriors have fast-forgotten to #bekind, where we’re urged to think before we speak, as a person’s struggles are often hidden well beneath the surface. As a bystander, it’s hard to watch the venomous posts pour in, let alone how the Wales family must be feeling.

The timing of Wednesday was, of course, unfortunate. Had her name not been announced on the carriage procession, then little would have been made of Kate’s decision not to attend the event. But the announcement 20 minutes later that she wouldn’t be there meant it snowballed into another mini-drama. Aides were quick to reassure that there was nothing to worry about and is still navigating her public duties following her cancer treatment.

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Sources said the princess is still trying to find the right balance as she returns to public-facing engagements. They noted that she had attended three engagements in the past week, including the high-profile events of Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter.

And there was a clear indication that Kate’s decision not to attend was not a cause for alarm, as her husband and mother were front and centre at Royal Ascot, which saw temperatures near 30C. Instead, the melodrama shows the princess taking a responsible and dignified approach to her health, as we have seen throughout her diagnosis.

Kate is listening to her body and as she candidly explained last year, there are “good days and bad days”. I would caution that there is no need to read between the lines, but see Wednesday for what it was: a publication error and a woman putting her health first after a gruelling experience.

She’s not shirking her duties, but putting her healing journey first now that she is cancer-free – an approach the King is fully supportive of. In the coming weeks and months, we can expect the Princess to continue to maintain a lighter programme of engagements and decide them on a case-by-case basis.

Navigating health challenges is never easy, but the situation is compounded when someone is in the public eye. A flexible and measured approach is the right one, and the public should be fully behind her rather than stoop to rampant speculation.

Garter Day is perhaps one of the most unusual days in the royal calendar, as members of the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry process in elaborate velvet robes and plumed hats. But its traditions and royal fanfare make it one of the most hallowed events of the year, and the pictures never fail to disappoint.

This year, the snaps that stole the show were not of the procession, but of the spectators.

Kate and Sophie showcased their close bond in front of the world’s cameras as they joked and laughed together in the summer sunshine.

It was a welcome sight, as the princess returned to the event after missing it last year while receiving treatment. Perhaps next year we could see Kate don a robe herself, as her admission to the order is nothing less than she deserves after her tireless support of the monarchy despite her own personal battles.

Our dashing future King turned 43 yesterday, celebrating the occasion with little fanfare alongside his nearest and dearest. We’ve seen a different side to the bearded prince this year, as he appears more relaxed and down-to-earth than he was previously.

Whether that be joining footie fans for a pint at the pub, serving bacon baps to military families or being bundled by his children in a candid family photo.

He’s helping to make the Royal Family more relatable and in touch with the nuances and complexities of the modern world.

It is clear that William is easing into his role like never before. He’s got a newfound confidence, and we know where his priorities lie - with the climate, farming, homelessness, championing mental health, and, above all else, his family.

The prince is an invaluable support to the King, his wife and their three children - all while managing the demands of being a senior working royal and the heir to the throne.

Edward will continue to quietly support the monarchy as he jets off to Canada this week.

The Duke of Edinburgh will visit the Commonwealth country from Wednesday, June 25, to July 2, with engagements spanning Prince Edward Island, Toronto and Ottawa.

The Duchess of Edinburgh will not be joining him as she has her own engagements to undertake in the UK. His trip comes under a month after the King and Queen jetted off to Canada to officially open Parliament.