Carole and Michael Middleton join Prince William for family outing at Royal Ascot - best photos

Michael and Carole made a surprise appearance at the racecourse, where the royals are regulars during the five-day event. 

Carole's Self-Portrait dress featured semi-sheer chiffon sleeves with a pussy-bow detailing at the neckline - not too dissimilar to an Elie Saab look first worn by daughter Kate in 2019. 

She teamed it with a statement floral headband and navy heels and a matching box bag. 

Michael and Carole beamed as they made their way to their box at glamorous race meet. 

The Middletons' outing comes ahead of the couple's 44th wedding anniversary on Friday and Michael's 75th birthday on Sunday. 

Their last public appearance was in December when they stepped out for Kate's annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

After wowing in a yellow Laura Green ensemble, Zara was back at the racecourse for day two. 

The equestrian and mum-of-three looked beautiful in a pink paisley-print Anna Mason dress with puffed shoulders and long buttoned cuffs. 

She teamed her frock with a pale pink hat by Juliette Botterill and matching Emmy London pumps. 

Zara completed her look with a raffia Anya Hindmarch bag. 

Former rugby star Mike donned a morning suit with a pink tie to match his wife's outfit. 

A closer look at Zara's gorgeous beautiful headpiece by Juliette Botterill. 

She styled her blonde locks in an intricate updo, leaving a loose tendril on one side to frame her face. 

Zara added the finishing touch to her look with a pair of rose quartz earrings by Laurence Coste. 

She opted for kohl eyeliner, pink lipstick and a sweep of blusher. 

Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis' godparents were among the guests on day two - James Meade and his wife, Lady Laura Meade. 

The son of Olympian eventer, Richard Meade, James attended Eton College with Prince William.

He married Lady Laura Marsham in Norfolk in September 2013 with William, Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton among the guests.

While James is godfather to Charlotte, Lady Laura is godmother to Prince Louis.

Prince William joined his in-laws, Carole and Michael, at the racecourse along with his royal cousins and several of the Prince and Princess of Wales's closest friends. 

The future king, who will celebrate his 42nd birthday on 21 June, shared a carriage with stepmother, Queen Camilla, and the Earl and Countess of Halifax.

The Queen looked beautiful in a aqua coat with lace detailing and a matching hat. 

The King did not join his wife at Royal Ascot on the second day as he held audiences at Buckingham Palace.

Also joining the carriage procession was Princess Eugenie, who looked pretty in a pink ensemble, with her husband, Jack Brooksbank. 

There was a lot of laughter and smiles as Prince William caught up with his cousins, Mike and Zara Tindall, and Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. 

William and Mike have long shared a warm bond, with the sportsman recently sharing his cheeky nickname for his cousin's wife  - "One Pint Willy!"

Also joining the royal cousins at the racecourse was their aunt and uncle, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

Thomas van Straubenzee is one of William's closest and long-time pals, having attended Ludgrove prep school with the Prince. 

He served as an usher alongside James Meade at the royal wedding in 2011, and shared the toast at the wedding reception. 

In 2020, Thomas married his second wife, Lucy, a teacher at George and Charlotte's former school, Thomas's Battersea. The pair welcomed a son in December 2022. 

Thomas is also Princess Charlotte's godfather.

Carole and Michael mingled with the royal party as they arrived in the parade ring after the carriage procession. 

The Middleton matriarch was seen exchanging pleasantries with Princess Eugenie. 

Zara never fails to impress in the style stakes, much like her mother, the Princess Royal. 

For her second day at Royal Ascot Princess Anne donned a cream boucle jacket with navy accents, and a matching skirt and hat. 

William was seen chatting with his in-laws, Carole and Michael, after the carriage procession. 

The Prince has long shared a close bond with the Middletons since his university days with Kate. 

Back in April, William and Carole made a low-key outing to a Norfolk pub while George, Charlotte and Louis were on their Easter school holidays.

Sarah, Duchess of York enjoyed a day out at the races with her daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie. 

The author opted for a cream button-up jacket with a navy skirt and a matching hat, while Eugenie donned a figure-hugging knitted dress by Gabriela Hearst. 

Sarah was given a warm welcome by Mike Tindal, who embraced her in a big hug.

Zara also put her arms around her aunt as they greeted one another. 

Wednesday marked a very special day for the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. 

Prince Edward and Sophie, who wed in 1999, thanked well-wishers for their "many kind and lovely messages" as they shared two new portraits taken at their Surrey mansion, Bagshot Park. 

Sophie wore a bridal-style look in the form of a floral applique number. 

The Duchess of Gloucester looked chic in a cream dress with flared sleeves as she presented jockey Ryan Moore with his prize following his victory.

Prince William was joined in his box by the Middletons, the Straubenzees, the Meades and his cousin, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. 

Jack put his arm around Eugenie during one sweet moment. The pair, who share sons August and Ernest, will celebrate their sixth wedding in October.

Eugenie appeared to celebrate a win as she threw her arms up in the air after watching the race intently.