Why Kate Middleton Missed Prince William’s Polo Match

Kate Middleton did not appear at this year’s Royal Charity Polo Cup to support her husband as he mounted his horse and played in the annual match. Her absence was confirmed shortly before the event began by Kensington Palace.

Middleton missed the event amidst her ongoing cancer treatment. She took a step back from her royal duties at the beginning of the year and later announced her diagnosis in March. Since then, she has made only one public appearance at last month’s Trooping of the Colour.

Although Middleton was not expected to appear at today’s polo match, the princess has promised to try to attend a few more official events before the summer is over. “[I] hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” she said in an Instagram statement last month.

In recent years, Middleton has been a staple of the Royal Charity Polo Cup, having supported her husband at the event for the past two years. At last year’s match, she appeared in a printed blue and white maxi dress and in 2022, she even shared a rare kiss with William.

Although Middleton was unable to attend today’s polo game, royal fans are still hopeful that the princess may be well enough to attend the Wimbledon Men’s Finals this Sunday. Traditionally, Middleton has played a key role in the event, presenting trophies to the winners.

According to a friend of the royal, who spoke to The Daily Beast, she would “dearly love to be there, but when you are having chemo, as she herself said, there are good days and bad days.” The friend added, “A lot depends on the timing of the treatments. She made it to Trooping the Colour, so if she can make Wimbledon, she will.”