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PRINCE William attended Royal Ascot today and was spotted sharing a touching moment with his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton.

Pictures taken of the Prince of Wales and his in-laws show just how strong their family bond is, according to body language expert Judi James.

The Prince of Wales chatted to Carole Middleton and Zara Phillips during day two of Royal Ascot
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The Prince of Wales chatted to Carole Middleton and Zara Phillips during day two of Royal AscotCredit: PA
Prince William was spotted in conversation with Carole Middleton and Zara Phillips
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Prince William was spotted in conversation with Carole Middleton and Zara PhillipsCredit: James Whatling
Prince William appeared to show a close bond with Kate's mum, Carole
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Prince William appeared to show a close bond with Kate's mum, CaroleCredit: Getty

William showed up at the event without Kate, but was spotted in conversation with Carole and Zara Tindall looking at ease, Judi said.

She explained: "There’s something about William’s large top hat that gives him the look of a schoolboy here and that seems to have rather sweetly triggered some maternal-looking body language responses from his mother-in-law Carole and his cousin Zara."

"Standing in close proximity to signal them as a very relaxed and close family unit, Carole’s eye-attention is firmly on William as she listens to him speak, showing active listening signals and making
this look like a deeper, warmer and fonder chat than just Ascot small-talk.

"With Zara and Carole in doting attendance, William’s facial expressions suggest some meaningful subject-matter as his brows steeple upward and his hand is raised in a ‘claw’ shape to help make his point.

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"The touch ritual from Zara suggests high levels of maternal support, care and bonding though.

"Standing in a happily compliant pose with his lower lip sucked in as he looks at the two women, William watches while Zara seems to lean an arm out to touch or draw attention to his lapel badges, showing them to Carole like two proud aunties at school open day.

"In terms of royal status and pecking order this is a natural-looking override of subtly empathetic displays from two women clearly keen to ensure William’s awareness of their support and affection as a family."

William and Carole were also spotted together on the balcony, looking to be happy and comfortable in each other's company, Judi continued.

"It’s so clear that the presence of Kate’s mother and father, who have had a very parental role in William’s life, creates what looks like a safe place for William to relax and have fun in the wake of all the worries over his wife’s illness," she explained.

In fact, William looked just like his youngest, Prince Louis with his "playful, open-mouthed display of laughter," Judi said.

Although Kate didn't make an appearance at Royal Ascot, she did make her long awaited return just days ago.

Kate, 42, was keen to ensure that her father-in-law remained the focus during Trooping the Colour, Judi previously told Fabulous.

“In a tradition created by her husband’s granny, Kate’s body language here showed the world what being a royal is all about: elegant, calm and stoic with not one smallest jot of self-pity or drama.

These are unprecedented times - but King & Kate shoulder to shoulder proves they’re fighting together, royal expert

“Kate’s non-verbal messages seem to signal a smiling determination to reassure the public and her own children and to get on with the job. 

“She made it clear in her written message that this is a step towards a return, not the start of it but even from the glimpses of her in the carriage her upright back and her signature smile showed a desire to show resilience and poise.”

And Judi says that Kate’s outfit choice may have been a deliberate attempt to draw attention away from herself.

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“There was a hint of discretion or maybe a desire to not upstage in the way Kate’s hat brim was tilted to partially hide her face in the carriage but there were some turning to smile and some smiling conversations with her three children,” she adds. 

“Her wave to the crown involved closed rather than spread fingers and it was a quick, subtle movement of acknowledgement, again suggesting a desire to avoid stealing the attention on the celebration of the King’s birthday.”

Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery

JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery

JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery

JAN 18: William spends time at Kate's bedside

JAN 23: The princess' hospital stay passes one week

JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital

FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health

MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate

Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother's Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out 'kill notice' on photo

Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William

Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor

Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport

Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior

Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis

April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos

June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel's Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: "I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon"

June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King's Birthday Parade

Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton arrived at Royal Ascot together
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Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton arrived at Royal Ascot togetherCredit: AFP
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