Kate Middleton shares a a heartfelt statement after pulling out of Royal Ascot

Kate Middleton revealed why she was absent from Royal Ascot.

The Princess of Wales, 43, was expected to attend the annual horse race on Tuesday and Wednesday alongside Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other royal family members. However, Middleton ended up pulling out and is now addressing how she spent the last few days.

In a Friday message, Middleton showed her support during Children’s Hospice Week, highlighting the work she has been busy doing.

“No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,” the Princess wrote. “Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.”

“Being able to access the support of one of the U.K.’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone,” added Middleton.

“As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices,” she continued. “Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.”

Middleton concluded her message with a note to the public, explaining: “This Children’s Hospice Week,I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.”

The Princess has been a stark advocate for kids hospice services since tying the knot with Prince William in 2011. Throughout her overseas tours, Middleton has also visited numerous hospices.

In January, the royal visited Tŷ Hafan for the first time in Sully, South Wales, which was built with the support of Princess Diana.

The director of family well-being services, Tracy Jones, said of the Princess’ arrival: “She immediately gravitated to the children and families — she spent quality time talking to every child and their parents.”

“It’s been the most inspiring visit,” Jones continued. “She crouched down and was straightaway on the level of the children. If they were in a wheelchair, she crouched at that level. If they were on the floor, she would be at the level,” she continues. “We were seriously impressed with how she could stay in a crouch, as it’s not that comfortable!”

“She instinctively seemed to know where to touch a child that was going to provide the connection, but not cause any distress or startle a child. She was looking at the children, even if she was talking to the parent. It’s what we do, as we’re used to working with children who are nonverbal.”

Despite missing out on Royal Ascot, Middleton joined her husband and their three kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, for the annual Trooping the Colour in London on Saturday.