Kate Middleton made a poignant message to children's hospices after unexpectedly missing Royal Ascot earlier in the week.

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.

Kate Middleton withdrew from attending Royal Ascot, one of the largest events in the British social calendar, with palace officials saying she was attempting to find the "right balance" as she recovers from cancer.