Kate steps back AGAIN

The Princess of Wales prioritises her health as she removes herself from public life, says Emily Andrews

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The headlines were alarming. 'Kate pulls out of Ascot visit at the last minute' said one newspaper. 'Kate cancer update as princess pulls out of appearance' wrote another.

The Princess of Wales had been due to attend the second day of Royal Ascot with her husband (her name was on the published carriage list that morning), but had seemingly cancelled at the last moment, sparking widespread concern.

The truth, as ever, was more mundane and certainly reassuring. Catherine had, I'm told, been planning to go, along with the King, Queen and members of her Middleton family. But after an uptick in her public engagements last month, including a dazzling return to form at the King's Trooping the Colour birthday parade and then radiant in white two days later at Garter Day in Windsor, she decided a third public engagement in five days was too much.

Ongoing recovery

Ascot was informed in good time, but an 'inaccurate version of the carriage list was issued in error after that notification'. The correct list was then circulated.

As one of her aides told me, she was 'disappointed' not to go but she 'has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements'.