Kensington Palace has announced that the Princess of Wales will not join the King and Prince William at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. After the list was released and listed the princess as riding in the second carriage alongside her husband and Mr and Mrs Justin Rose, confusion was sparked when it was announced she would not attend.

It is understood that the Princess is disappointed not to be there but it’s all about getting the balance right with her public appearances. She revealed at the start of the year that she is now in remission but is continuing to gradually return to royal duties.

Kate attended Trooping the Colour on Saturday with her the wider Royal Family and conducted a solo engagement at the East Storehouse last week.

The updated carriage list shows that the King and Queen will ride in the first carriage with the Prince of Wales and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.

The second carriage will now carry the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as the Earl and Countess of Halifax.

Third will be author William Boyd and his wife, Susan. They will ride in the third carriage with golfer Justin Rose and his wife, Kate Phillips.

Finally, Princess Margaret’s daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband, Daniel Chatto, will ride in the fourth carriage, along with author Robert Harris and his wife and fellow author, Gill Hornby.

Royal Ascot, which is taking place from June 17 until June 21 this year, is one of Britain’s most well-known racecourses and is frequently attended by the Royal Family. It was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and has since received the support of a further twelve monarchs.

While the King’s passion for horse-racing does not measure up to the devotion shown by the late Queen, it was reported by The Sun, that the monarch will attend all five days of the event this year after being left “surprised” by his newfound love of the sport.

Sources claimed that the monarch enjoys getting “stuck in” during the event, alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, who also has a passion for horse racing.