Kate Middleton, Prince William hold important meeting at Windsor

Princess Kate has returned to Windsor Castle for the first time since her sudden withdrawal from Royal Ascot last week.

The Prince and Princess of Wales held an important meeting with American billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates at the castle, according to The Court Circular.

The meeting, which took place near the couple's Adelaide Cottage home, was conducted on behalf of The Royal Foundation. It serves as the umbrella organisation for the couple's charitable endeavours, particularly in the areas of early childhood development and mental health.

French Gates is the founder of Pivotal Ventures and co-founder of the Gates Foundation, which focuses on accelerating social progress and fighting global poverty, disease and inequity.

The meeting played an important factor in Princess Kate's gradual return to official duties amid speculations and fears about her health after her absence from royal event.

Princess Catherine's absence from Royal Ascot on June 18 sparked considerable speculation after her name appeared and then disappeared from the day's carriage procession list. She was initially included in the official listing alongsideher husband William for the second day of the racing event, but her name was removed approximately 20 minutes after publication.

The future monarch attended the event without his wife, joining King Charles and Queen Camilla for the traditional carriage procession.

However, royal sources claimed that Kate was disappointed to miss the prestigious racing event, a highlight of the royal family's summer calendar.