The reason why Prince William was absent at Royal Ascot

Unlike the rest of the Royal Family, Prince William didn't attend the Royal Ascot in order to be present at the International Business Festival in Liverpool.

The Royal Ascot tradition goes all the way back to 1711 when Queen Anne went for a ride outside Windsor Castle and suggested that a horse race should take place in a nearby field.

The annual week of events has been taking place ever since, but this year Prince William didn't attend due to his responsibility as patron of the Business Festival, with pictures and videos of his appearance being on the Kensington Palace's Twitter page.

Although the Royal Ascot is an event of utmost importance for the Royal Family, the Duke of Cambridge skipped it to support a cause that he fiercely believes in.

According to the Prince, who recently became a father for the third time, business is fundamental for a well-organized and balanced society, and it affects every aspect of a person's life.

"Businesses—both large and small—are responsible for many things that are the bedrock of our society: quality of life, meaningful employment, prosperity, and technological solutions."

Prince William, Twitter, June 19, 2018

William went on to explain that it is important for charities to create a partnership with a business in order to grow and make progress, which was why he was proud of being the Festival's patron.

The Duke of Cambridge argued that business, as a whole, can and must be used as 'an international force for good.' He also took the opportunity to advocate for mental health and opened the James' Place.

James' Place, a center who provides help to men at risk for suicide was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley following the loss of their son.

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry have been supporting the fight against the stigma surrounding mental health for quite a while. Together, in 2017, they created Heads Together, a health initiative to seek and promote conversations regarding mental illnesses.

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