Prince William joins A-lister in solo visit day after Kate Middleton opts out

Prince William will be taking on an important engagement with Hollywood A-lister just one day after wife Kate Middleton dropped out of a key royal appearance.

William attended the second day of Royal Ascot on Wednesday during which he presented the trophy for the Prince of Wales’ Stakes, which went to Ombudsman, a horse ridden by jockey William Buick.

The future king, who is the founder of the Earthshot Prize, will pay a visit to one of the finalists of the competition, Colorifix, to view the workings of the company that promises to sustainable and environmentally-friendly dyes for clothing on Thursday, June 19.

William will also be joined by actress Cate Blanchett, who is a member of the Earthshot Prize Council.

The company was a finalist in the 2023 Earthshot Prize competition under the ‘Build a Waste Free World’ category. They developed dyes naturally from organisms to avoid toxic substances that contaminate rivers and threaten wildlife.

The update comes just after Kate pulled out from the second day of Royal Ascot last minute without stating a reason for her absence. William, who was meant to ride in the second carriage with his wife, rode with King Charles and Queen Camilla in the first carriage for the event.

At some points, William appeared downcast, but he also had his spirits uplifted after a heartwarming moment with his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton, as they two shared a hug.

Kate was reportedly disappointed not to be able to join, but people close to her point out that she is still having to find the right balance as she works towards returning to public engagements following her cancer treatment.