Last month, Kate Middleton’s sudden withdrawal from the Royal Ascot reignited widespread concern about her health.
The Princess of Wales’s decision to miss such a prestigious event—especially one involving King Charles—was seen as highly unusual.
At 43, and currently in remission, Kate has been navigating the delicate balance between healing and fulfilling royal duties. Her recent challenges in keeping up with public appearances mirror some of the same struggles Meghan Markle once faced during her own time within the royal institution.
A Strategic Step Back to Rebalance
According to reports, Kate opted to “recalibrate” by sitting out the Royal Ascot. In the lead-up to the event, she had taken part in several major royal engagements, including VE Day commemorations, the Trooping the Colour parade, the King’s birthday celebration, and the historic Order of the Garter ceremony.
Speaking to The Daily Beast, a source explained the toll these engagements had taken: “Wednesday was a wake-up call, not a one-off…
She has never found the public appearances, and the forensic attention and criticism that goes with them, at all easy to deal with, and it was just too much this week.” The pressure to show up while under constant public scrutiny is a burden both Kate and Meghan have had to endure, though their experiences differ.
A History of Struggles Among Royal Women
The same insider described Kate’s recent years as “horrific,” noting that her ongoing health battle and the demands of royal life have understandably worn her down. “It has all taken its toll, and if she needs more time to recover… [Prince] William will fight tooth and nail to see she is given it,” the source added.
