Princess Kate will not be joining her husband Prince William at a charity polo match today.
The annual event is taking place at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, Berkshire, and the Princess of Wales is usually one of the spectators.
Last year Kate was on hand to present the award to him and his team after they won the match. But Kensington Palace has confirmed the Princess of Wales will not be joining him for the event today, as she continues to undergo chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Last month she made a sensational appearance at Trooping the Colour, as she marked her first public appearance of the year.
But aides were keen to stress that while she was feeling well enough to attend the King’s birthday parade, her attendance was not a sign of her return to royal duties.
Instead, she would attend events across the summer, as and when she feels able to, with the support and guidance of her medical team.
Last month Kate shared a moving message with the nation and gave a rare insight into her cancer recovery. She said: “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.”
Today’s match marks the 13th time the heir to the throne has participated in the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup and today the total amount raised “for well-deserving causes that The Prince and Princess are passionate about”.
Charities chosen relate to issues they care deeply about, such as the emergency services, mental health, early years, conservation and the armed forces, and many are patronages.
The eleven charities chosen this year are: Wales Air Ambulance, Mountain Rescue England & Wales, SHOUT, Child Bereavement UK, Royal African Society, Place2Be, Action for Children, Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Blackthorn Rally, HMS Oardacious Fund and The Royal Marsden.
A Kensington Palace Spokesperson said: “Each year the Polo match raises a million pounds for deserving charities and that is the driver of why The Prince of Wales takes part.
“To date, The Prince playing Polo has raised an incredible £13 million pounds for charities that The Prince and Princess support. He’s hopeful for a win!”