Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward had the sweetest exchange with King Charles as they arrived at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were pictured at the Berkshire racecourse on the second day of the five-day meet, though they did not join the official carriage procession.
The King appeared, 77, delighted to see his younger brother, 62, and his sister-in-law, 61, giving them both an enthusiastic peck on the cheek in greeting after climbing down from his carriage.
Sophie, who was wearing a black Victoria shirt dress by Suzannah London, then impressed royal fans by sinking into a deep curtsy, which she executed flawlessly despite wearing heels.
She showed her close bond with her brother-in-law Charles by placing her hand on his shoulder for support. The monarch then shook his top hat at the Edinburghs in acknowledgement, before they moved on to greet Queen Camilla.
Royal fans were left delighted by the affectionate moment, rushing to comment on a video by HELLO!'s royal editor Emily Nash, who was at the scene.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesOne person wrote: "Beautiful curtsies from Sophie for the King and Queen," while a second added: "They’re really quite an affectionate family."
Another person said: "Sophie is a great ambassador for the royal family."
When do royals curtsy?
The Princess of Wales also performed a flawless curtsy when she greeted the King at Ascot on Thursday, marking her return to the event for the first time since 2023.
Typically, members of the Royal family bow or curtsy for the reigning King and Queen out of respect and an acknowledgement of their sovereign status.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesIn May 2023, Kate gave her first curtsy to father-in-law King Charles following his coronation, showing her sign of respect to the newly-crowned monarch as he walked down the aisle at Westminster Abbey wearing St Edward's Crown.
Kate's sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, previously recalled how she had to perfect the art of curtsying when she met the late Elizabeth II for the first time.
© Getty"Right in front of the house we practised and ran in," she said. "Fergie ran out and said, 'Do you know how to curtsy?' Apparently, I did a very deep curtsy, I don't remember it, and then we sat there, and we chatted."
A right royal day at Ascot
Prince William and Kate joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in the official carriage procession as they arrived at Ascot on Wednesday.
Kate made her first appearance at the famous Berkshire meet since being diagnosed with cancer in early 2024 and undergoing successful chemotherapy treatment.
© Getty ImagesIn 2025, she was expected to attend and had been listed in the official carriage procession but pulled out at the last minute.
At the time, it was understood the Princess was trying to find the right balance as she made a full return to public-facing engagements following her cancer treatment.
Other royals in attendance on Wednesday included the Princess Royal and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Lady Gabriella Windsor.
Carole Middleton, the Princess of Wales's mother, was also seen enjoying the action as she mingled with racegoers, alongside her son James's wife, Alizée Thevenet.
