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Royal Ascot: Princess of Wales makes triumphant return for the first time since her cancer diagnosis

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The Princess of Wales smiles as she attends day two of Royal Ascot 2026.
Camera IconThe Princess of Wales smiles as she attends day two of Royal Ascot 2026. Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Princess of Wales has returned to Royal Ascot after a two-year hiatus due to cancer treatment.

Catherine Middleton and husband Prince William, alongside other members of the Royal Family, attended day two of the annual racing carnival this week.

It marked Princess Kate’s first appearance at Royal Ascot since 2023. The following year, she was diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery.

The 44-year-old underwent preventative chemotherapy for the unspecified cancer, announcing she was in remission in January 2025.

She was due to make an appearance at the event last June, but had to pull out last minute due to ongoing effects of the chemotherapy.

ASCOT, ENGLAND - JUNE 17: Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales laugh ahead of presenting The Prince of Wales Stakes on day two of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Camera IconASCOT, ENGLAND - JUNE 17: Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales laugh ahead of presenting The Prince of Wales Stakes on day two of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

It comes as the UK data watchdog revealed a healthcare worker at the private hospital where Princess Kate had surgery had tried to sell “highly sensitive personal information”.

The Information Commissioner’s Office launched an investigation in March 2024 into whether staff had attempted to access medical records at the London Clinic, where the princess had undergone abdominal surgery two months prior.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ICO said it had concluded its criminal investigation and found a now former healthcare worker had deliberately misused sensitive information and offered to disclose it for financial gain.

Although the ICO did not find there to be any wider failings at the London Clinic, one of the largest private hospitals in the United Kingdom which has also treated King Charles, the facility has been issued a formal caution over the incident.

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