PRINCE William was all smiles today as he waved to the crowd at Royal Ascot without Princess Kate by his side.
The 41-year-old heir arrived in a carriage with other royals to kick off the second day of the star-studded festival on the Berkshire track.
14
14
14
14
14
14
Wills smiled at fans as he entered the course in the traditional procession of carriages before 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 seen laughing in each other’s arms.
Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, were also photographed smiling as they arrived at Ascot.
It came 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’s first public appearance on Saturday since Christmas – and hubsand Wills stood proudly by her side.
Kate, who is undergoing cancer treatment, had revealed the day before that she would be at the king’s birthday celebrations, but said she still has “good and bad days”.
The princess said she hopes to stay out of the public eye for “a few more months” as she continues to focus on her health.
King Charles was in high spirits yesterday as he entered Royal Ascot in a horse-drawn carriage, before congratulating the winners.
Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, will not go today, but will return tomorrow and Saturday.
The monarch yesterday wished race participants “good luck” in chasing the “thrill of a Royal Ascot winner”.
The King has several horses racing in the iconic British meeting.
Writing together in the official programme, Charles and Camilla said: “It was an immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero’s victory in the King George V Stakes last year, especially as he was bred by Her late Majesty.
“We wish all of this week’s entrants the best of luck in their quest for the unique thrill of a Royal Ascot winner.
“We also hope that those here at the speedway and watching from home will enjoy five days of the best racing this sport has to offer.”
Seven races will take place on each day of Royal Ascot, with this year’s prize pool worth a record £10 million.
At the King’s Trooping the Color ceremony, he and Kate stood shoulder to shoulder on the balcony – in what was seen as a show of solidarity.
The royals waved to the crowd on Saturday afternoon and passionate fans erupted as the royals left.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the late Queen would have been proud of Charles and Kate’s “gesture of solidarity”.
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
He told The Sun: “I think the image that so many people will have is of Catherine standing next to King Charles on the balcony.
“This could be interpreted as a gesture of solidarity and support from Charles to Catherine.
“Let’s be frank. It would have been very stressful to carry out the entire ceremony.
“Everything is at the center of a global media storm. Britain is known for its ceremonial brilliance.
“King Charles and the Princess of Wales knew very well that all public movements would be photographed.
“Obviously, this was something that went very well and the image was one of absolute solidarity.”
How Wills supported Kate through cancer
By Jane Matthews
‘DOTING’ Prince William has been proudly by Kate’s side since she began undergoing cancer treatment.
The 41-year-old heir did not attend the Thanksgiving service held in honor of the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27 – citing a “personal matter”.
It was later alleged that he abandoned religious worship to be with his wife.
Kate last week revealed that Wills has supported her throughout – and the “emanation of kindness” from the nation and far afield has reached them.
In a personal message, Kate said the “support and encouragement” from royal fans had lifted her and William’s spirits.
She said: “I have been overwhelmed by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last few months.
“It really made a big difference to William and me and helped us through some of the most difficult times.
“I’m making good progress, but as anyone undergoing chemotherapy knows, there are good days and bad days.
“On those bad days you feel weak, tired and have to give in to resting your body.
“But on good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of the feeling of well-being.”
Kate added: “My treatment is ongoing and will last a few more months.
“On days when I feel good, it’s a joy to participate in school life, dedicate my personal time to things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do some work at home.
“I’m looking forward to taking part in the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hoping to take part in some public engagements over the summer, but also knowing that I’m not out of the woods yet.
“I’m learning 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 bravely shared your stories with me.”
A spokesperson for Wills added: “The Prince is pleased to see the Princess beginning 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 fulfill his public duties.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
