Royal fans were sorely disappointed that the Princess of Wales did not attend Royal Ascot along with the other senior royals.

Kate - whose Ascot outfit is always keenly looked out for by royal watchers - was originally featured on the programme in the carriage list for day two - and mentioned on the official Royal Ascot social media accounts.

However, within half an hour they posted a new list - without the Princess's name.

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Kensington Palace then said that a "miscommunication" had taken place. "We notified Ascot that Her Royal Highness would not be attending. Unfortunately an inaccurate version of the carriage list was issued in error after that notification. The correct list was then circulated," said a spokesperson.

This left Prince William to attend the proceedings solo, travelling in the first carriage with King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid al-Saud - from Saudi Arabia's ruling family.

The Mail Online reports that the Royal Enclosure was abuzz with discussion about the future Queen's whereabouts - especially given how many close pals of William and Kate had been invited to attend the same day, a detail missed by many royal watchers initially.

Princess Charlotte's godfather, Thomas van Straubenzee, and his wife Lucy - who used to be a teacher at Charlotte's former primary school - were in attendance.

Old Eton pal James Meade was also there - who has long been a member of William's inner circle - as well as Sam Waley-Cohen, who is reported to have helped William and Kate rekindle their relationship after they briefly split up in 2007.

Kate's mum, Carole Middleton, and sister-in-law Alizee Thevenet, also went to day two of the iconic horse racing event - which is a beloved fixture in the royal calendar.

The Mirror understands that part of the reason behind Kate's absence is that she is striving to find work-life balance with her public engagements, as she eases back into royal duties after announcing she is in remission from cancer only a few months ago.

Though Kate was said to be "disappointed" to miss the day of horseracing, Kensington Palace has repeatedly noted that a flexible approach will be needed with her diary.

In the week prior to missing Ascot, Kate attended three high-profile royal events, including Trooping the Colour and Garter Day.

One of Kate's pals is reported as saying by the Mail "Catherine knows she should not overdo things. She is grateful that her recovery has gone well, but things have not been plain sailing.

"She had a busy day at Trooping the Colour at the weekend and, if she's feeling slightly under the weather, it's better that she takes it easy," but her friends would not be drawn on the specific reasons behind her deciding to give it a miss, mindful that her health is a private issue, and wanting to discourage speculation.

A source at Royal Ascot said: "Obviously it's a great disappointment the Princess of Wales not being able to attend, but everyone is of course mindful of her schedule and we look forward to welcoming her next year."