Kate Middleton skips Prince William’s charity polo match after revealing struggle to 'function normally'

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Though Kate Middleton is gradually returning to public life following her recent battle with cancer, her return to royal duties has been inconsistent.

The Princess of Wales was notably absent from Prince William’s annual polo charity event this year, after attending a state banquet in honor of the French president.

Kate Middleton pulls out of Royal Charity Polo Cup two years in a row

Every summer, Prince William participates in the Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Charity Polo Cup held at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, UK. The event raises funds for causes the royal couple supports.

Prince William, 43, attended the charity polo match on Friday in a blue jersey with the No 4, paired with white trousers and brown riding boots.

Kate, also 43, who joined him for the event in 2023, did not attend this year. She also chose to miss out on the 2024 Polo Cup amid her own cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy. 

Friday marks another major event she has chosen to step back from as she eases into her royal duties. In June, she skipped the Royal Ascot, a significant event founded in 1711 and closely associated with the royal family.

Kate Middleton says life post-treatment is still not back to normal

During a visit to Colchester Hospital on July 2, Kate Middleton opened up about her ongoing recovery.

“You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to,” she said, while reflecting on the reality of post-cancer life.

“And actually, [having] someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable,” added Middleton.

Kate Middleton's cancer discovery and early-stage treatment

Kate Middleton publicly revealed her diagnosis in March 2024. “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she said in a video message.

“However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” said the princess.

Following the announcement, Kate stayed away from multiple royal functions, including the Easter celebrations.

After completing her cancer treatment in September 2024, she acknowledged the journey had been “incredibly tough.”