PRINCE William shared a tender moment with his mother-in-law Carole Middleton while attending Royal Ascot without Kate.
The Prince of Wales, 41, was spotted chatting to Kate’s parents, along with Zara Tindall, on the second day of the glamorous event in the social calendar.
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The heir arrived in a carriage with Queen Camilla and others to kick off day two of the star-studded festival at the Berkshire track.
Prince Willam and Camilla looked at ease as they rode with the Earl and Countess of Halifax as they were cheered by onlookers.
It was the first time that Camilla and the heir to the throne have teamed up since they led senior royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March.
Wills beamed at fans as he made his way into the course in the traditional carriage procession ahead of today’s first race.
Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall, 43, and her husband Mike were also seen enjoying the races.
Mike and Prince William were spotted sharing a laugh with their arms around one another.
Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton were also snapped smiling as they arrived at Ascot.
Carole appeared to give a subtle nod to her daughter with her choice of dress – Kate loves Self-Portrait and regularly wears the brand.
It featured chiffon sleeves with a pussy-bow at the neckline – similar to an Elie Saab look first worn by daughter Kate in 2019 at Ascot.
It comes just days after he and Kate stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their children and other royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
It was the Princess of Wales‘ first public appearance on Saturday since Christmas – and husband Wills stood proudly alongside her.
Kate, who is undergoing cancer treatment, had revealed the day earlier that she would be at the King’s birthday celebrations, but said she still has “good and bad days”.
The Princess said she expected to be out of the public eye for a “few more months” while she continued to focus on her health.
King Charles was in high spirits yesterday as he rolled into the Royal Ascot on a horse drawn carriage, before congratulating winners.
Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, will not head along today, but will return tomorrow and Saturday.
The monarch yesterday wished racegoers the “best of luck” in chasing the “thrill of a Royal Ascot winner”.
The King has a number of horses running at the iconic British meet.
Writing jointly in the official programme, Charles and Camilla said: “It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero’s victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her late Majesty.
“We wish all the participants this week the very best of luck in seeking that unique thrill of a Royal Ascot winner.
“We also hope that those here at the racecourse and watching from home will enjoy five days of the finest racing that this sport has to offer.”
Seven races will take place on each day of Royal Ascot, with this year’s overall prize pot worth a record £10million.
At the King’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, he and Kate stood shoulder to shoulder on the balcony – in what’s been labelled a show of solidarity.
The royals waved to crowds on Saturday afternoon and adoring fans erupted as the royals stepped out.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the late Queen would have been proud of Charles and Kate’s “gesture of solidarity”.
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He told The Sun: “What I think the image I think so many people will have is of Catherine standing next to King Charles on the balcony.
“This can be interpreted as a gesture of solidarity and support from Charles to Catherine.
“Let’s be frank. It would have been very stressful to go through with all of the ceremony.
“It’s all in the eye of a worldwide media storm. Britain is known for its ceremonial brilliance.
“King Charles and the Princess of Wales knew very well every movement would be photographed that was public.
“Point was obviously that this was something that went very successfully, and the image was of absolute solidarity.”
How Wills has supported Kate through cancer
‘DOTING’ Prince William has been proudly at Kate’s side since she started undergoing cancer treatment.
The heir, 41, did not attend the Thanksgiving service held in honour of Greece’s late King Constantine on February 27 – citing a “personal matter“.
It was later claimed that he pulled out of the church service to be with his wife.
Kate last week then revealed Wills had been supporting her throught – and the “outpouring of kindness” from the nation and further afar had got them though.
In a personal message, Kate said “support and encouragement” from royal fans had boosted her and William’s spirits.
She said: “I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.
“It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.
“On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting.
“But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”
Kate added: “My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months.
“On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.
“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.
“Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”
A spokesman for Wills added: “The Prince is pleased to see The Princess starting to engage with the work and projects that are important to her.
“He will continue to focus his time on supporting his wife and children, while continuing to undertake his public duties.”