Health before duty - KATE'S BRAVE DECISION

Her absences are a reminder of what the princess is still going through

- Judy Kean

When Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced last September that she'd finished having chemotherapy to treat her cancer, she explained that she'd need to take “each day as it comes”.

Evidence that she’s doing precisely that came when she pulled out of one of the significant events on the family calendar, Royal Ascot. While she’d looked well at other recent outings, including Trooping the Colour, her no-show at Ascot was a sharp reminder that she's been through a lot, and is continuing to prioritise her health and set her own pace, says a royal expert.

“She has always emphasised that her road to recovery would be a long one,” says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, pointing out that this time last year, Kate, 43, was still undergoing gruelling chemotherapy.

“This really is a time when she needs to put her own wellbeing first. There will be many more Ascots and I'm sure she will be back.”

Jennie adds that it was a particularly hot day and Kate is likely to have realised that it would have been too much for her.

“Being on show must take its toll, mentally as well as physically. Knowing every gesture is being scrutinised, every word - often lipread - analysed would put a strain on anyone.

“She’s done brilliantly so far and has been looking like she is enjoying being back on parade. But she’s absolutely right to return at her own pace, and to listen to her mind and body as she continues her recovery. She’s still trying to find the right balance.”

Fellow royal commentator Ingrid Seward says Ascot is more tiring than it looks, with the day starting early for the royals before they arrive at the racecourse. She agrees that the extreme heat — it was 30°C - may have influenced Kate’s decision to stay home.