The Princess of Wales has pulled out from a planned attendance at Royal Ascot.

Catherine, who is making a gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis last year, is trying to find the right balance as she fully returns to public engagements, according to royal sources.

The princess was said to be disappointed to miss the sporting occasion in Berkshire, where she would have appeared in the carriage procession.

She was due to attend on Wednesday with her husband the Prince of Wales and the King and Queen.

Racegoers had been hoping to see Catherine as William was named as one of the figures awarding race prizes during the second day of the meet.

Kensington Palace confirmed she would not be attending the races.

The princess was last seen smiling and joking with other royals on Monday during the Order of the Garter service in Windsor.

Recently her public appearances have increased with attendances also at Trooping the Colour and a visit to the V&A East Storehouse museum in London.

Catherine revealed in January she is in remission from cancer after making an emotional return to the hospital where she received treatment.

She announced her diagnosis last March before she revealed in September she had completed her chemotherapy, saying: "Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus."

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