After Kate Middleton‘s long-awaited return to public duties this past weekend at Trooping the Colour, Prince William was joined by two other special guests during his latest outing on the second day of Royal Ascot: Middleton’s parents, Carole and Michael.
Making their first public appearance since their daughter’s cancer diagnosis in March, Carole and Michael, who have reportedly moved in with the Waleses to help the family, totally dressed the part. Michael wore a full suit and matching top hat while Carole wore a gorgeous floral baby blue dress and matching headpiece.
According to People, the two first chit-chatted with Zara and Mike Tindall before being joined by their son-in-law William before the race. Later on, they were also spotted in “deep conversation” with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
In the photos from the event, viewers can see just how close Carole and William have become. In one photo, Carole is seen placing her hand on William’s arm as they talk. In another, William is seen helping her out by extending a hand to Carole when the heel of her shoe gets stuck in the grass (see below).
Evidence of their blossoming connection only confirms the reports that they’ve really bonded amid Middleton’s battle with cancer. “[Carole] has been the closest thing to a mother [he] has,” royal expert Christopher Andersen told Fox News in April.
As a reminder, William lost his mother, the late Princess Diana, when he was just 15 years old.
“She has always been there for him as much as he has for Kate,” the royal author continued.
For Middleton, the support of her parents has been crucial to her well-being over the past few months too. “Her mother has been a rock for them because their home life has changed a lot,” a source said to InTouch Weekly. “Kate has been able to rely on William, her mother, and those in her inner circle to help her with the children while she focuses on getting through chemotherapy, fighting this disease — and adjusting to her new normal.”
Kudos to her parents for stepping up and being there for them during such a hard time.
Before you go, click here to see more of Kate Middleton’s best royal fashion moments.
