WATCH: Golfer Justin Rose In Royal Procession at Ascot, But Princess Kate Was Missing

Top English golfer Justin Rose swapped the cap for a top hat at Royal Ascot on Wednesday as the world number 23 was honoured to feature in the Royal Procession – situated in a carriage just behind King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William – but Princess Kate was missing. 

Top English Golfer Justin Rose In Day Two Royal Procession at Ascot 

Former US Golf Open winner Justin Rose is normally seen on the fairway, but on Wednesday popped up in the Royal Procession at Ascot – sitting alongside his wife Kate Phillips.

Rose, who was also runner-up in the US Masters earlier this season, was in the third carriage – with King Charles, the Queen and Prince William ahead of him leading the way.

Sat alongside wife Kate, Rose received a rapturous welcome from the Ascot crowd when the carriages entered the parade ring, when pictured by the ITV Racing cameras.

The most special day at Royal Ascot 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/PvEpSFFr71

— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) June 18, 2025

Kate Phillips, who is a former international gymnast, is also no stranger to racehorses. She’s owned some of her own in the past.

Including one called Master Merion, who was trained by US handler Wesley Ward, who has had 12 Royal Ascot winners in the past.

Master Merion won four of his 17 races in America and racked up $382,900 in total winnings.

This year’s Royal Procession at Ascot was also celebrating their 200 year anniversary.

Why Wasn’t Kate Middleton In The Royal Procession at Ascot On Wednesday?

However, it was another Kate, who wasn’t in the Wednesday Royal Procession at Ascot that was making the headlines too.

The Princess of Wales – Kate Middleton – was a noticeable absentee and NOT by the side of her husband William. But why?

William sat in the first carriage with the King and Queen, but the prince and Kate had originally been allocated to ride with Justin Rose in the Royal Procession at Ascot.

However, with the Princess Of Wales pulling out late on – this was the reason for the late switching of carriages.

It’s believed that Kate Middleton was said to be disappointed at missing the Wednesday Royal Procession as she continues to balance royal duties with her health.

With it reported that her cancer is in remission.

It’s unclear if she’ll attend any of the other 2025 Royal Ascot dates this week – but also missed the 2024 meeting when undergoing cancer treatment.

She was last at Royal Ascot in 2023 – when wearing a bright red Alexander McQueen dress.

Kate has been seen out this week, however – she was at the Trooping the Colour last weekend and was also at Garter Day in Windsor on Monday.

Her sister-in-law Alizee Thevenet and mum Carole Middleton were at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

Over the week many celebrities and sporting stars will be seen at the meeting. Including champion jumps jockey Harry Cobden pictured at Royal Ascot with his girlfriend on the Tuesday.