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. 

“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 said 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.