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Prince William, Carole and Michael Middleton, Mike and Zara Tindall at Royal Ascot© Getty / James Whatling

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

The Princess of Wales's parents stepped out for day two of the race meet in Berkshire

Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
Updated: June 19, 2024
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The Princess of Wales's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, made their first public appearance of the year amid their daughter Kate's cancer treatment as they joined their son in-law, Prince William, and members of the royal family at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. 

Former flight dispatcher Michael, 74, looked smart in a morning suit while Carole, 69, sported a pale blue floral dress and matching hat as they arrived at the Berkshire racecourse.

The couple were spotted mingling with guests in the parade ring, including William's cousins, Zara and her husband Mike Tindall, Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank. 

Queen Camilla headed up the carriage procession on the second day of the race meet as her husband, King Charles, held audiences at Buckingham Palace in London. Watch their arrival below...

WATCH: Prince William joins Queen Camilla and his cousins at Royal Ascot

The Middletons have been by Kate's side throughout her difficult year as she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and began a course of preventative chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis in late February.

Carole was then pictured driving Kate through Windsor in an unauthorised paparazzi image in March. 

Ahead of her first major public appearance since her diagnosis, the Princess shared that she is making "good progress" with her treatment in a personal message. Her treatment plan is expected to be ongoing for the next few months and she is "not out of the woods yet". 

Kate delighted royal fans as she joined her husband, the Prince of Wales, and their three children at Trooping the Colour last Saturday, taking part in the carriage procession and watching the flypast from the balcony. 

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Carole and Michael Middleton arrive for the second day of Royal Ascot© James Whatling

The Middletons arrive

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

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Carole and Michael Middleton seen on the second day of Royal Ascot© James Whatling

Outfit details

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. 

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Carole and Michael Middleton© James Whatling

All smiles

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

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Carole and Michael Middleton at Royal Ascot© James Whatling

Big celebrations

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.

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Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall in pink paisley dress© Getty

Mike and Zara Tindall

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. 

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Zara Tindall wearing pink hat and dress© Getty

The details

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. 

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James and Laura Meade at Royal Ascot © James Whatling

Royal godparents

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 MeadeJames 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.

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Prince William and Peter Wood, the Earl of Halifax© Getty

The Prince of Wales

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.

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Queen Camilla in aqua coat© Getty

Queen Camilla

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.

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Princess Eugenie wearing pink hat and emerald earrings© Getty

Princess Eugenie

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

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Beatrice and Zara laugh at William© Getty

Royal cousins reunite

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. 

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William and Mike Tindall hug© James Whatling

Royal bromance

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!"


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Princess Beatrice of York and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi smile© Getty

Family outing

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

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Lucy van Straubenzee and Thomas van Straubenzee© Getty

William and Kate's inner circle

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.

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Carole Middleton smiles at Princess Eugenie© James Whatling

Catching up

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. 

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Princess Anne and Zara Tindall attend Royal Ascot© Getty

Stylish mother-daughter duo

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. 

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Prince William speaking to Carole Middleton and Zara Tindall© Getty

Close bond

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.

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Princess Eugenie and her Mother, Sarah Ferguson attend Day Two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire© Maureen McLean/Shutterstock

Sarah, Duchess of York

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. 

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Mike Tindall hugs Sarah, Duchess of York© Getty

Warm welcome

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

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Zara Tindall hugs Sarah, Duchess of York© Getty

More hugs

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

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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024© Getty

Silver celebrations

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. 

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The Duchess of Gloucester© Chris Jackson

The Duchess of Gloucester

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.

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Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie of York, Lucy van Straubenzee, Lady Laura Meade and Carole Middleton smile © Getty

Royal Box

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.

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Princess Eugenie celebrating at Royal Ascot© Getty

Jumping for joy

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

LISTEN: Inside Trooping the Colour

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