Kate Middleton's mother looks elegant as she makes out for daughter's absence

Kate Middleton missed Royal Ascot on Wednesday, with a royal source citing her need for balance as she returns to public engagements after being treated for cancer last year.

Her husband Prince William was  part of the royal procession at the horseracing event in southern England, alongside his father King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Kate Middleton's mother  Mrs. Carole Middleton also attended day two of Royal Ascot with Lucy van Straubenzee and Alizee Middleton.

Catherine's mother looked graceful in her stylish outfit in pictures taken during the event.

The royal source said Kate was disappointed not to be attending.

The princess has gradually been returning to her public royal role after completing a course of preventative chemotherapy last year to address the presence of an unspecified form of cancer.

Royal Ascot sees top horses from around the world compete over five days in races worth up to a million pounds.

On Tuesday, King Charles was joined by Princess Anne and other royals as he and Queen Camilla led the royal procession as the five-day event kicked off.

It was not immediately known exactly why Kate Middleton decided to miss the event on Wednesday but the presence of her mother came as a sigh of relief to royal fans concerned about the princess' health.