Kate Middleton accepts WOODEN SPOON after losing regatta against Prince William - best photos

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took some time away from their summer holiday to participate in the King’s Cup yachting regatta on Thursday – and what a day it was! Both Prince William and Kate each skippered their own yacht and were joined on the water by the six celebrity captains as the eight vessels competed for the historic King's Cup. William led his team on behalf of his patronage Child Bereavement UK while Kate competed for the Royal Foundation. However, the Duchess was unfortunately presented with a wooden spoon after her team finished in last place, while the Duke’s team came joint third.

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While the Duke and Duchess were busy competing in the race, their eldest two children Prince George and Princess Charlotte made a surprise appearance on a boat with their grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton. The youngsters looked adorable in nautical stripes – and Princess Charlotte later had the crowd in hysterics by poking her tongue out at them instead of giving them a royal wave. Take a look through the gallery to see the best photos from the day…

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The couple were joined by Olympic champion rower Helen Glover who represented the Anna Freud Centre, stand-up comedian John Bishop for Action on Addiction, BBC presenter Katie Thistleton for Place2Be, England women's footballer Fara Williams for Centrepoint, television presenter Dan Snow for London's Air Ambulance Charity and adventurer Bear Grylls for wildlife conservation organisation Tusk.

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This is not the first time the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have gone head-to-head on the water before. Prince William trounced his wife when they competed in a dragon boat race in Canada in 2011, but Kate got her revenge three years later when she won a sailing event in Auckland during their tour of New Zealand. William took the honours again during a visit to the German city of Heidelberg in 2017 when he was victorious in a riverboat race against his wife.

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Prince William seen taking in some instructions ahead of the sail. Later on, the winning team will be awarded The King’s Cup trophy at a public prize-giving ceremony in the early afternoon, held at the SailGP Race Village along Cowes seafront towards Egypt Point.

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The regatta reflects William and Kate's passion for sport and the Duchess' belief that the benefits of sport, nature and the outdoors can impact childhood development, and lead to improved physical and mental wellbeing for all.

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At one point, Kate was seen sharing a laugh with the rest of her team ahead of the race.

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Kate, 37, really got into the spirit of things. She was appropriately dressed in a jacket, shorts and trainers. The royal also shielded her face with a cap.

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Prince William, 37, looked serious whilst out on the water. The royals are representing one of Their Royal Highnesses' eight charities in the inaugural King's Cup race around Cowes.

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Prince William and Kate hope the King's Cup regatta will become an annual event, increasing awareness of the benefits of sport, while also raising support and funds for their causes.

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Bear Grylls beat Prince William and Kate to win the first of two races at the King's Cup yachting regatta. William finished the race third, while Kate came seventh - second last.

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Prince George also made a special appearance as he cheered on both his parents. The young royal looked adorable in his cute sailor hat.

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Princess Charlotte was cherubic in her little blue and white striped dress. She hung out with her maternal grandparents and brother George.

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Little George was with his grandfather, Micheal Middleton. The young royal was seen watching his parents compete from a separate boat.

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George, whose front teeth are noticeably missing, was pictured watching the races from a boat with his granddad Michael and a group of friends.

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On the day, members of the public got to watch the regatta from for free at the SailGP Race Village, which features a 500-seater grandstand.

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Kate put her head in her hands after learning she would be presented with the wooden spoon after her team finished last in the event.

The Duchess took the loss in good spirits, and laughed as she clutched the oversized wooden spoon while her husband Prince William – whose team finished joint third – poked fun at her.

Princess Charlotte poked her tongue out at the crowd gathered at the event, after her mum had tried to convince her to wave. Her cheeky gesture was met with laughter from onlookers – as well as an amused Duchess of Cambridge.