22 hilarious photos of Kate Middleton watching sport that prove she's just like us


The royal isn't always so composed…


kate sports
Melanie Macleod
Melanie MacleodDeputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor
Updated: July 31, 2022

The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her poise and elegance, but every so often – almost always at sports matches – her emotions run away with her, and we get a glimpse of Prince William's wife's playful side.

READ: How Kate Middleton protects herself during a heatwave

While she never fails to look beautiful, Duchess Catherine often struggles to hold in her emotions when she's at tense tennis matches, thrilling horse races and exhilarating rugby games – resulting in some of her most natural photos ever.

WATCH: Kate Middeton in her element as she tries abseiling

From screams to shock horror, here are her funniest and most candid sports reactions of all time.

Three images of a woman in a yellow dress and sunglasses showing different expressions.© Photo: Getty Images

Duchess Kate blessed us with a series of fantastic facial expressions at Wimbledon 2022; from shocked, to delighted to quietly impressed, the royal went through a quick succession of emotions watching the action on court!

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton, both smiling and embracing, surrounded by cheering spectators.

Duchess Catherine was so overjoyed at the London Olympics in 2012 she leapt into Prince William's arms, resulting in one of our favourite, totally natural photos of the couple ever. 

LOOK: Royal ladies in polka dots: Kate Middleton, Princess Diana and more in this summer’s hottest trend

Prince William and a woman cheer enthusiastically at a sporting event, surrounded by other spectators.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were just as excited as each other at the men's Wimbledon final in 2014. Couple's who cheer on sport together, stay together.

SEE: How Prince William and Kate Middleton prioritise their children over royal duties

Prince William and Kate Middleton sit together at an event, both wearing blue lanyards.

Catherine and William's worried expressions at the the Wales v Scotland hockey match during the Commonwealth Games in 2014 are all-too-relatable. We've all been there, barely able to watch.

MORE: Royal summer holidays! Prince Harry, the Queen and more's travel plans

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, claps enthusiastically in a black suit and white shirt.

Those 'head in hands' moments are all too common when you're watching sports - as Duchess Catherine proved at the swimming finals of the London 2012 Olympics.

LOOK: Duchess Kate cooing over two babies is the cutest thing you'll see all day

Kate Middleton, wearing a red blazer and polka dot shirt, smiles brightly at an event.

And the intensity continued throughout the race, as the mum-of-three was seen gritting her teeth.

MORE: Why Duchess Kate and Zara Tindall are both stopping at three children - details

Kate Middleton smiling, wearing a black beret, blue jacket, and patterned scarf.

The Duchess of Cambridge has never been able to hide her emotions during tense sports fixtures. She was on the edge of her seat as she watched the races at Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival in 2007. The lip-biting says it all.

LOOK: 15 times the royals have cried in public

Kate Middleton, wearing a white top, smiles brightly in a stadium crowd.

The Duchess was apparently pleasantly surprised as she watched Roger Federer take on Lloyd Harris at Wimbledon 2019. Federer has coached William and Catherine's son Prince George in tennis, so it makes sense she's happy to see him doing well!

SEE: Kate Middleton's super healthy diet: The Duchess' typical day on a plate

Kate Middleton, wearing a yellow dress and a blue ring, stands on a balcony, hand on her face.

The Duchess proved that even the biggest sports fans can get fed up at uneventful matches - case in point, Wimbledon in 2016.

REVEALED: The story behind the personalised gold bracelet Duchess Camilla gave Kate Middleton

A man and woman, both smiling, stand behind a glass barrier with flowers. The woman wears a large hat.

Prince William's wife peered animatedly over the glass barrier at the races, apparently delighted at what was going on on the track - Prince Edward looked less thrilled. Perhaps his horse wasn't a frontrunner.

SEE: 13 of the royal family's memorable moments from Royal Ascot

Kate Middleton in a pink dress and sunglasses raises both hands in excitement at an event.

The Duchess of Cambridge couldn't resist joining in on a Mexican wave at Wimbledon in 2021, creating a whole different kind of royal wave!

READ: Kate Middleton uses this face oil for her signature glow - and it's so affordable!

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in a white polka-dot blouse and brown hat, stands by pink flowers.

The Duchess looked less than impressed at Royal Ascot in 2022 - we've all been there, Catherine!

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