Princess Kate’s absence from the 2025 Royal Ascot is making headlines—not because of what she wore, but because she wasn’t there at all. In a surprising move, the Princess of Wales opted out of one of the royal calendar’s most high-profile public appearances. Instead of joining King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William, she released a message in support of Children’s Hospice Week.

The statement itself was heartfelt and well-written. “No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,” she said. “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.”

But while the message was emotionally resonant, many are questioning the timing.

Royal Ascot isn’t just a social event—it’s a duty. The event symbolizes continuity, tradition, and visibility of the monarchy. It’s one of the rare times the public sees the entire royal family together. Skipping it with no advanced notice or public appearance elsewhere raises eyebrows.

Some believe her hospice message could have been released any other day during the week. After all, Children’s Hospice Week runs several days. It’s unclear why her statement needed to drop the very day she missed Royal Ascot. Was it planned to soften criticism? Was it a deliberate PR diversion?

In light of previous speculation around her health and the months-long absence earlier this year, this choice only fuels rumors. If Kate is well enough to write and release public statements, why isn’t she well enough to show up to a key event—especially one her husband and the monarch were attending?

Critics argue that this is a pattern. There’s increasing reliance on written statements, carefully staged photo ops, and charitable alignments in place of traditional royal presence. That’s not to diminish the importance of children’s hospices—far from it—but rather to question why royal duties now seem negotiable.

The idea of service has always underpinned the monarchy’s legitimacy. When Queen Elizabeth II couldn’t attend an event, the palace issued detailed statements and often showed her in alternative capacities. Kate’s statement, while emotionally effective, doesn’t substitute for showing up when expected.

Even commentators sympathetic to the Princess noted she looked “frail” at Trooping the Colour, which may explain the withdrawal. But royal observers are left wondering: if she’s well enough to paint hands with children, why not wave to the public from a Royal Ascot balcony?

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—frequent royal scapegoats—were not invited to Trooping the Colour for the third year running. Ironically, their absence is no longer controversial. But Kate’s absence from Ascot? That is.