Kate Middleton makes triumphant return to Royal Ascot 1 year after last-minute absence – best photos

The Princess of Wales made a triumphant return to Royal Ascot alongside her husband, Prince William, on Wednesday for the second day of the five-day racing meet.

Kate, 44, led the royal family in the traditional carriage procession as she arrived at the Berkshire racecourse, appearing in bright spirits as she waved to crowds.

The Princess looked radiant in bright yellow, marking her third public appearance in a week after attending Saturday’s Trooping the Colour in London and Monday’s Garter Day service in Windsor.

You may also like

The appearance also marks the end of her three-year hiatus from the event, and one year since the royal mother-of-three unexpectedly pulled out of Ascot at the last minute in 2025.

It was understood that her absence last year was part of finding the right balance in returning to public duties following her battle with cancer, for which she is now in remission.

1/11

The Princess of Wales looked stunning in a vibrant yellow Roksanda dress and a Jane Taylor hat on Wednesday.

2/11

Meanwhile, Prince William, who celebrates his 44th birthday on Sunday, looked as handsome as ever in a suit, matching his wife perfectly with flowers in his buttonhole.

3/11

The royal couple appeared cheery as they waved to crowds from the carriages, before getting ready to watch the day’s action.

4/11

The Waleses have had a busy week, having first attended Trooping the Colour in London on Saturday, followed by the Garter Day service on Monday.

It was also announced on Tuesday that their eldest son, Prince George, will be attending Eton College in September.

5/11

King Charles and Queen Camilla led the way in the first carriage, alongside the monarch’s cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, and her husband, Daniel Chatto.

6/11

The Prince and Princess of Wales were in the second carriage, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon.

Politician and broadcaster Rory Stewart was in the third carriage with his wife, Shoshana Clark, alongside Queen Camilla’s companions, Lady Sarah Keswick and Fiona Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marchioness of Lansdowne.

The royal party were cheered as they travelled past the stands filled with racegoers waiting for the first race of the day.

7/11

Though she didn’t join the carriage procession, Princess Anne looked pretty in pink as she joined racegoers.

8/11

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were also in attendance.

9/11

The Princess’s attendance was confirmed by organisers with just two hours to go, while Prince William is expected to present the trophy to the winner of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes later in the afternoon – one of the event’s most prestigious titles.

10/11

When the carriages reached the parade ring, where the jockeys mount their rides and winners are welcomed, the Waleses stepped down from their coach and when the King greeted them Kate curtseyed to her father-in-law.

She chatted with the Queen while William spoke to other guests.

11/11

HELLO!‘s resident racing expert, Charlie Atkin, shared his verdict on the royal runners ahead of day two of Royal Ascot.

“While yesterday’s royal runner might have disappointed, the King and Queen have another live chance on day two,” he states. “Point Of Law runs in the Queen’s Vase (3.05pm) for Charles and Camilla, a race previously won by the late Queen with Estimate in 2012.

“Point Of Law has only run twice but finished second and first in those two starts. He currently sits around 8/1 in the betting and has a great each way chance if appreciating the step up in distance.”

On Monday, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the opening day of Royal Ascot, but their racing dreams were soon dashed when their horse was beaten on the track.

They were joined by the Princess Royal and her son Peter Phillips, alongside his new bride, Harriet. Other guests included the Queen’s son, Tom Parker Bowles.

Kate’s Royal Ascot looks over the years…

1/35

First Royal Ascot

Princess Kate steps out wearing Dolce & Gabbana for her first Royal Ascot appearance in June 2016.

2/35

Royal arrival

Kate arrives in a carriage to Royal Ascot.

3/35

Young love

Kate and William wave from a carriage together.

4/35

Fancy fascinator

Princess Kate wears a cream Jane Taylor hat.

5/35

Making bets

Princess Anne and Princess Kate discuss horse bets on the balcony.

6/35

Second Royal Ascot

Kate wears an Alexander McQueen dress to her second Royal Ascot in 2017.

7/35

Like mother like daughter

Kate and her mum, Carole Middleton laugh together at Royal Ascot.

8/35

Blonde and brunette

Kate and Zara Tindall share a laugh together.

9/35

Look of love

Kate and William fondly look at each other.

10/35

Keeping score

Kate and William in 2016 at Royal Ascot.

11/35

Girl talk

Kate and Princess Beatrice chat together.

12/35

Another mother and daughter shot

Carole and Kate stand together to watch the races.

13/35

Back of the dress

A look at the detailing of the back of Princess Kate’s dress.

14/35

Third Royal Ascot

Kate wears a pastel blue dress to Royal Ascot in 2019.

15/35

Similar hats

Kate and Zara Tindall wear similar coloured fascinators.

16/35

Rainy day

Prince William holds an umbrella over Princess Kate.

17/35

Royal huddle

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands with Kate and William on day one of Royal Ascot.

18/35

Stepmother-in law moment

Kate and Camilla ride in the royal carriage together.

19/35

Inside joke

Kate is in good spirits on day one of Royal Ascot.

20/35

Matching in blue

Kate and the late Queen Elizabeth II match in their blue outfits.

21/35

Fourth Royal Ascot

Kate wears Alessandra Rich to Royal Ascot in 2022.

22/35

Hold onto your hat!

Kate smiles and holds onto her hat at Royal Ascot.

23/35

Close up

Kate close-up at Royal Ascot in 2022.

24/35

Chit chatting

Kate and William laughing while on balcony at Royal Ascot in 2022.

25/35

Smile and wave

Kate waves from the carriage.

26/35

Watching the action

Kate watches the first race of the day with Crown Equerry Colonel Toby Browne.

27/35

Fifth Royal Ascot

Kate wears an all-red monochrome ensemble.

28/35

Cheers!

Kate and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh cheer during a race on day four of Royal Ascot,

29/35

Gorgeous gals

Another photo moment of Kate and Beatrice smiling together.

30/35

Side by side

Kate and William stand smiling together,

31/35

Close-up

A stunning close-up of Kate smiling at Royal Ascot.

32/35

Royal wave

The carriage of Kate, William, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in June 2023. 

33/35

Lady in red

Kate wears a red dress on day four of Royal Ascot in 2023.

34/35

Patiently waiting

On day four of Royal Ascot 2023, Kate patiently stands.

35/35

Game faces

Kate and William on day four of Royal Ascot.