The Royal Ascot 2018 began earlier this week and the five-day horse race is typically attended by most members of the royal family each year, including the Queen. Duchess Meghan made her very first appearance this year just days after her wedding, but another member of the royal family was absent.

The Duchess of Cambridge was once again absent for this year’s festivities. Although if you’re familiar with the traditions of the royal family that wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Kate Middleton is still on maternity leave after giving birth to Prince Louis just weeks ago.

The Duchess is allowed to take off as much time as she wants for the first six months after giving birth, although she did make an appearance at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. That was a family affair, according to officials, so she was required to go to it. Other engagements she can pick and choose if she’d like to go or not.

Prince William also missed the event as he was giving a keynote speech at the International Business Festival in Liverpool. Although William has consistently attended the Royal Ascot, Kate has only attended the event twice since becoming a member of the royal family in 2011.

Kate waited a full five years to attend her first Royal Ascot because she and William have been busy raising their family. She attended her first Royal Ascot in 2016 to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday, and again in 2017 after Prince William left his job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot so they could put more focus on their royal duties.

What do you think about Kate missing out on the events and Meghan being in attendance? Share this story with your friends and see what they have to say too.