20 June 2024 , 14:53
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Kate was no doubt on her husband's mind as he stepped out for Royal Ascot on Wednesday. Prince William attended the event without his beloved wife by his side - but his female family members were quick to rally around and show their support.
The Prince reunited with a number of royals - including the Tindalls, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the Duke of Duchess of Edinburgh, and Queen Camilla. He also spent time with his in-laws, Mike and Carole Middleton, who were making their first public appearance since their daughter's cancer diagnosis.
And according to royal expert Judi James, three women in particular stepped up to 'mother' William on his solo outing.
Tactile Zara was typically affectionate towards her cousin at the event (UK Press via Getty Images)Judi told the Mirror: "William is on the receiving end of several maternal-based behaviours, with Zara, Carole Middleton and Sophie almost competing to see who can act like the most besotted auntie.
"It's Zara's smaller, subtler gestures that show how deep this parent/child support runs. She patted and hugged William but it was the way she quickly smoothed his lapel that was not in any need of smoothing with one hand in a spontaneously tender gesture that mimicked a mother to her son that really illustrated the bonding, especially as William seemed to accept the checking ritual happily."
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She was seen sweetly resting her head on William's shoulder as they spoke (WireImage)
William was there to give his mother-in-law Carole a helping hand (Getty Images)Zara has always stood out for her tactile behaviour - and this week was no different. She warmly hugged her family members and at one point was also seen linking arms with William and resting her head on his shoulder.
Sophie, meanwhile, was spotted catching up with her nephew and wrapping him in an affectionate embrace. William and Kate are said to have an especially close bond with Sophie and Edward - who were also celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary - with the Duchess said to have something of a 'maternal' pride in the future King.
Sophie and Edward are especially close to the Wales family (Getty Images)Earlier this week, William and Sophie were photographed enjoying each other's company at Garter Day, laughing and chatting with ease. Their exchange followed a sweet moment the two royals shared two days earlier, during Trooping the Colour when Sophie was seen placing a comforting hand on William's back as they made their way back inside the palace.
William is known to be very close to mother-in-law Carole - and their tight bond was most evident at Ascot. Ever a gentleman, William offered his hand to Carole when her shoe got stuck in the grass, and he remained by her side for some time as they mingled in the parade ring.
Royal commentator and biographer Duncan Larcombe previously : "William is very much like the adopted son to Carole and Michael Middleton - and he always has been. One of the things that has clearly strengthened William and Kate's relationship from the beginning was the fact that Kate came from a very tight-knit family. It is something that he has kind of lacked in his life, obviously losing his mother. So it is only natural [Carole and Michael] will step into the breach and support [the Waleses] throughout this in every way.
"The Middletons are the perfect antidote really to the pomp and pageantry of the , because they are quite an ordinary family unit, which will be important to help aid Kate's recovery. I think what we will see now over the next coming weeks and months is William really focusing on the Middleton family and really being that adopted son."