Prince William shared a sweet moment with his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton, at Royal Ascot in the absence of Catherine, Princess of Wales.
After her much-anticipated appearance at Trooping the Colour it was thought Kate might also attend the Ascot races.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Charles and Camilla watch on as Aussie horse wows at Royal Ascot.
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But William, 41, attended the second day of the annual racing event without her.
He was spotted chatting with Kate’s mum, along with Zara Tindall (the daughter of Princess Anne), and her husband Mike Tindall.
Cameras captured William laughing as he helped Carole Middleton out of a tricky situation.
His mother-in-law, 69, had got her heel stuck in the grass at Ascot Racecourse, so William gallantly offered his hand to help her get her balance.
Later, they were spotted chatting animatedly with Tindall, looking relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company.
While Kate was absent, plenty of other royals were in attendance on day two.
Spotted throughout the day were Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their mother, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Royal Ascot is a week-long event held every during the English summer.
This year’s event kicked off on June 18 and runs until June 22.
Each morning, members of the royal family arrive at Ascot Racecourse in horse-drawn carriages before watching the day’s races.
Royal-watchers were hopeful the Princess of Wales may attend at some stage after her stunning appearance at Trooping the Colour on June 15, where she looked well and in good spirits.
Both King Charles and his daughter-in-law announced earlier this year that they were battling cancer.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” Kate wrote in a social media update on June 14.
“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.”
King Charles attended day one of Royal Ascot with Queen Camilla but was not there for the second day.
The pair wrote a poignant note in Royal Ascot’s official program wishing the horse riders good luck throughout the week.
“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,” the message read.
“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.”
