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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
Wellness Editor
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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.

KATE WIMBLEDON 22© 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!

kate will jump

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

kate tennis

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

kate shocked

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.

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kate hide

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 teeth

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 hat

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 smile

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 bored

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

kate edward shock

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 mexican wave

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!

Kate middleton hat shocked

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

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