The Reason For Kate Middleton’s Latest Absence Is Revealed

While several royal family members attended day two of Royal Ascot, Kate Middleton was notably absent. On Wednesday, Prince William, Queen Camilla, Princess Eugenie, and others gathered for the prestigious horse race. Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were also in attendance.

Middleton made her first public appearance Saturday since announcing she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment this past March. She joined everyone at this year’s Trooping The Colour annual military parade to celebrate the king’s birthday. Middleton, who was wearing a white dress, was seen traveling down the parade route in a state carriage with her children.

A video shared by Kensington Palace on social media showed Kate and her children before the parade as they prepared to enter the carriage.

Following the proceedings, Kate, William, and their three children joined senior members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in order to watch a military flyover. Despite her appearance at King Charles’ birthday parade, the Princess is not resuming her full royal duties yet, as she continues to undergo chemotherapy.

Palace aides say that despite Kate’s recent appearance at Saturday’s Trooping the Colour, she remains focused on her health, which explains her absence on Sunday. A source intimately familiar with the royal household revealed exclusively to PEOPLE in their latest cover story that, “She has been doing what’s right for her and recovering privately at home. She is dealing with it the best she can.”

Kate Middleton shows up at the King's Birthday Parade. pic.twitter.com/76eHRlXZ1b

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) June 15, 2024

Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth, shared with PEOPLE, “The monarchy is going through one of the most difficult sets of challenges. But it just felt like a corner had been turned.”

London, England, UK – 15.06.2024: The British royal family watch the flypast airshow during the Trooping the Color celebration; Catherine Princess of Wales rejoins royal duties after cancer diagnosis

In March, Middleton revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer following the procedure. The type of cancer has not been disclosed. According to a place press release, the princess began a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February. On Friday, Middleton provided an update on her condition, stating that she is “making good progress” as she undergoes chemotherapy but is not “out of the woods yet.”

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” Kate said in a written message shared by Kensington Palace. “On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”

I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.

I am making good progress, but as anyone going… pic.twitter.com/J1jTlgwRU8

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 14, 2024

She added that her treatment is expected to continue for a few more months. “On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.”

The Princess also touched on the personal growth she has experienced through this ordeal, learning patience and how to navigate the uncertainty of her condition. “Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal,” she noted.