Why Kate Middleton Didn’t Attend Royal Ascot After Her Big Return at Trooping the Colour

“She has been doing what’s right for her and recovering privately at home. She is dealing with it the best she can,” a source tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue

Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024. PHOTO: SAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE

While several royal family members attended day two of Royal Ascot, Kate Middleton wasn’t at the equestrian event.

On June 19, Prince William, Queen Camilla, Princess Eugenie and more came together for the second day of the prestigious horse race that’s long been a staple on the royal summer social calendar, which Princess Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton also attended.

It was significant to see the Princess of Wales’ parents at the Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire as it marked their first public event since their daughter announced in March that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy — but Princess Kate didn’t join them.

Palace aides emphasized that Princess Kate’s time in the spotlight at Trooping didn’t equate a return to royal work as she continues to prioritize her health.

Michael and Carole Middleton on day two of the Royal Ascot on June 19, 2024.BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP VIA GETTY

“She has been doing what’s right for her and recovering privately at home. She is dealing with it the best she can,” a source close to the royal household tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s cover story.

The Princess of Wales stepped back into the spotlight for the first time in nearly six months at Trooping the Colour on June 15, where she traveled by carriage with her children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 and shared a look of love with her husband Prince William on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

However, the Princess of Wales’ presence at King Charles’ birthday parade didn’t signal an official return to royal duties as she continues chemotherapy.

Prince William attends day two of the Royal Ascot on June 19, 2024.SAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE

Princess Kate spelled out her plans for the immediate future in a personal letter issued June 14 that confirmed she would be at Trooping the next day. The message marked the first update on her health since she announced on March 22 that she has cancer.

“I’m looking forward to attending the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” the Princess of Wales said in part. “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal.”

Princess Kate spoke openly about her experience with chemotherapy in the latest update, describing the difference between her “good days” and “bad days.”

Queen Camilla and Prince William on day two of the Royal Ascot on June 19, 2024.MARK CUTHBERT/UK PRESS VIA GETTY

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. 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,” she said.

“My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months,” she added of what’s ahead. “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.”

No decisions have been made about what future engagements the royal might make in the coming weeks. Any upcoming outings will be based on when Kate feels able and with the support of her medical team.

The Princess of Wales radiated resilience and formed a united front with her family at the King’s birthday parade, sparking hope that healing is in motion.

“The monarchy is going through one of the most difficult sets of challenges,” Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth, tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “But it just felt like a corner had been turned.”

From left: Prince George, Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton, King Charles and Queen Camilla at Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024.JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP VIA GETTY