Prince William took part in his annual polo match for charity, and Kate Middleton was back on the sidelines cheering her husband on.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, attended the DMMI Royal Charity Polo Cup 2026 at Guards Polo Club on Friday, July 10. This year marks Prince William’s 15th appearance in the charity match, but it was Princess Kate’s first time attending since 2023.
The Princess of Wales stepped out in a classic summer style, sporting a sleeveless black and white gingham dress and sunglasses.
She arrived with Prince William’s equerry, Squadron Leader Mike Reynolds, and her husband soon saddled up.
Princess Kate wasn’t the only royal family member supporting Prince William at the polo game, either. William’s cousin Peter Phillips also attended the game along with his new bride, Harriet, and her daughter from her previous marriage, Georgina. The Prince and Princess of Wales were among the guests at Peter and Harriet’s royal wedding last month.
While the Princess of Wales frequented the event in the past — even bringing along the family dog Orla in 2022 — she took the last two years off amid her cancer treatment and recovery.
The annual polo match raises funds for charities and causes backed by William and Kate, and this year’s event is expected to raise over $20 million. The 2026 game is benefiting Wales Air Ambulance, The Royal College of Paramedics, Shout, Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice, Forward Trust, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Maternal Mental Health Alliance, We Are Farming Minds, The Passage and Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
Kate’s return to the polo event came after she and William made headlines in 2023 by sharing a rare moment of PDA on the sidelines.
After celebrating his role in winning the match, the Prince of Wales stepped off stage to embrace his wife, who was standing by for the prize presentation. The royal couple, who typically refrain from public displays of affection, were all smiles as they kissed each other on each cheek. Kate reassuringly rubbed William’s arm and back before he accepted his trophy, and they posed for a photo together at the presentation ceremony.
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Royal etiquette expert Myka Meier, founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette, previously told PEOPLE that there are no formal rules on royal couples showing romantic gestures in public — it’s at their own discretion.
“Senior members of the royal family would likely not be told how to interact or when they can or can not show PDA and would be trusted to use their better judgment as to when it’s appropriate,” Meier explained. “The royals often adjust PDA to mirror the formality of the event they are attending. At a somber or more formal event, we are less likely to see PDA than at a casual event where it would be deemed more fitting.”
Princess Kate’s presence at the charity match is yet another return to normalcy for the royal mom of three following a tumultuous two years. She has slowly resumed her royal duties, recently traveling abroad for a royal trip for the first time since her cancer diagnosis.
Royals author Catherine Mayer told PEOPLE in last month’s exclusive cover story how important it is for the royal family to have the Princess of Wales back in the public eye.
“Kate is the closest they have to a rockstar member these days, and she’s the one everyone wants to see,” she said.
“That’s a huge burden for anyone to carry, let alone someone who has had existential battles with her health,” she added.
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