The parents of the Princess of Wales have been spotted at Royal Ascot marking their first public appearance since their daughter’s cancer news.

Carole and Michael Middleton were seen arriving for day two of the race meeting, where Prince William is due to be in the carriage procession later. Carole sported a light blue floral dress from Self Portrait while Michael wore the traditional top hat and tails. The couple are said to have been rallying around their eldest daughter Kate since the beginning of the year when she underwent major abdominal surgery and following her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment.

The Middletons are regulars at Royal Ascot and were last seen at a royal event in December when they attended Kate’s Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey. Kate made her first public appearance since delivering her cancer news on Saturday when she took part in the King’s birthday parade Trooping the Colour.

Kate is not expected at Royal Ascot today and neither is King Charles, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer. The King was at the race meeting yesterday but is taking a break today – although Queen Camilla is still expected in the carriage procession later.

The King and Queen are proven fans of racing and yesterday they waved to the crowds when their carriage entered the parade ring on day one of Royal Ascot where Zara Tindall and her husband, former rugby international Mike Tindall, and other guests were waiting.

Punters dressed in stunning hats, summer dresses and smart suits cheered on the riders during the opening day of the famous Berkshire meet. The event was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 after she declared Ascot ideal for “horses to gallop at full stretch”, and has today become a major social event as much as a sporting attraction.

Writing in the official programme, Charles and Camilla wished the racegoers the “best of luck” in chasing the “thrill of a Royal Ascot winner”.

Royal Ascot 2023 was their first as King and Queen, and the couple – who took on Queen Elizabeth II’s thoroughbreds – watched as their horse Desert Hero won the King George V Stakes, their first winner at the famous meet as owners. The late Queen was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.

Charles and Camilla wrote: “It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero’s victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her late Majesty. We wish all the participants this week the very best of luck in seeking that unique thrill of a Royal Ascot winner.

“We also hope that those here at the racecourse and watching from home will enjoy five days of the finest racing that this sport has to offer.”

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