The Middletons Mix with the Royals at Ascot on Day 2
I feel like royal-watching is coming back to life after many months of hibernation. Last Saturday, the Princess of Wales began her slow return to public life by attending the King’s Birthday, Trooping the Colour. In more good news, the Princess might play some role in the Japanese State Visit and might also attend some part of Wimbledon. Ascot was one major weeklong event Kate did not attend, but even Ascot got some Middleton sparkle this week when Kate’s parents Michael and Carole made an appearance in the royal enclosure on Day 2.
I love when the Middletons mix with the royals at Ascot. Those who followed Kate’s story from the start are still savoring the success era, I guess, or at least I am! Carole looked really lovely in a Self-Portrait dress.
At one point, Carole and William were chatting to a jockey, and apparently, Carole’s heels were getting stuck. William was ready with a helping hand.
There was a strong royal turnout throughout the week, and Day 2 was particularly packed, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh looking dapper. The Duchess was wearing Suzannah London, one of her favorite brands, with a Jane Taylor hat. Speaking of a My Fair Lady vibe, this hat had it!
Fergie joined her daughters on the day out, too, and got a big bear hug from Mike Tindall.
As we have witnessed in years past, William and Mike once again displayed the strong bond between the two. Although Mike can never be William’s blood brother or share the important childhood memories that bind adult siblings to each other, I do wonder to what extent Mike has replaced Harry as a brother-substitute for William. I love their easy going and obviously close relationship.
Ascot is so fun, because it is a public event but also a private one. So we get to see the family interacting with each other in a more private capacity. The cousins were having a great time together laughing and teasing.
Ascot is one of my favorite royal-watching weeks of the year, and although Day 2 was my favorite day this year, with William and the Middletons in attendance, the entire week was full of fashion and fun. I am now looking forward to next year when our favorite leading lady should be back at the races.
Maybe I was just seeing things but it seemed like there was a lightness between the cousins that wouldn’t be there if Kate was still seriously ill. On Day 2, Zara gave William a big hug and seemed to ask, Are you Ok? And he seemed to reply, Yes! I’ll take that as a really good sign. Also, lots and lots of big smiles and laughing like they’ve all taken a big exhale. Long time BRF followers have heard a lot about the dysfunctional Windsors but I feel like this generation provides some good and strong support for each other. Great to see Carol and Mike so comfortable with the cousins, too! GREAT outfits all around with the King and William’s waistcoats and the women’s’ gorgeous floral dresses being perfection.
I am utterly convinced that these pictures must hurt Harry: all are hugging, smiling, laughing and shouting, all obviously at ease with one another... not exactly the atmosphere that the name Montecito conjures up, IMO!