- Duchess matched Joseph coat with brown tights like Zara and Pippa's
- Said to be feeling much better - reported to be having sugar cravings
- Kate and William joined by group of friends in a box
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One day, he'll be king. Yesterday, however, Prince William was just an avid racegoer so absorbed in the action that there was only one way to get his attention.
Though whether the chap attached to this tweed-clad arm would dare to tweak his ear quite so firmly then is another matter…
It certainly tickled the Duchess of Cambridge, who giggled as her husband eventually realised what was going on and turned to smile at his friend.
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Ear, ear! The Duke of Cambridge has his ear pulled by a pal at the races
In the Royal box: William studies the form while Kate enjoys a race
Got a bet on? The two appear to be enthralled by a moment on the track
... Kate keeps an eye on the race and a tight grip on her betting slip - and lets her famous composure slip for moment
William appeared to be in a playful mood yesterday as the couple enjoyed a day out at the Cheltenham Festival.
They watched the races from a friend's private box, where they were joined by wildlife presenter Ben Fogle and his wife Marina.
As he arrived, punters asked William who they should bet on and he replied chirpily, 'a horse'.
But when he was asked whether he and Kate, who is five months pregnant, were having a boy or a girl, he simply smiled knowingly and tapped his finger on his nose.
The ear-tweaking incident happened during the first race, which William watched intently.
Both he and Kate seemed delighted when Our Conor crossed the line as the runaway winner. The duchess, who appeared to clutch a betting slip in her left hand, cheered and clapped, while the duke shouted 'come on' and beamed as Our Conor came in first.Â
Picked a winner? From Kate's expression it looks like today could have been her lucky day
Kate, 31, concealed her bump beneath a double-breasted Joseph coat, in a blush colour which matched her radiant complexion. She teamed the coat with a brown hat and brown suede boots.
She joined William on the balcony to watch the first two races, chatting excitedly with friends and placing her hand on the shoulder of a female companion.
But by the third race, she had retreated into the warmth of the suite where she stayed for the rest of the afternoon.
The Royal couple watch the action on the last day of the Cheltenham Festival in Gloucestershire
Royal approval: Prince William taps his nose to show he's got his finger on the pulse of horse racing
Prince William and friends with TV presenter Ben Fogle roar on the horses
It meant she missed the much-anticipated Gold Cup â€" even though Mike Tindall's horse, Monbeg Dude was running.
He bought the horse on a drunken whim at a charity auction for £12,000. His wife Zara Phillips, his mother-in-law Princess Anne and his brother-in-law and his wife, Peter and Autumn Phillips, also turned up to support the ex-England rugby captain.
But the royal seal of approval did not bring him luck and Monbeg pulled up at the second-to-last fence.
The Duke of Cambridge leafs through the form book on a balcony with his wife and friends
A big win? Prince William watches the Cheltenham Gold Cup at Cheltenham Racecourse
Kate joined William on the balcony to watch the first two races, chatting excitedly with friends and placing her hand on the shoulder of a female companion
Kate and William, attending for the first time this week, arrived in time to settle in before the 3.20pm Gold Cup Steeple Chase
Hot tip: The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, got for a bet
Miss Phillips â€" who apparently called him 'an idiot' when he bought the horse four years ago â€" was seen resting her head on her husband's shoulder and looking glum as they watched the race from the parade ring.
During the Gold Cup, William found his loyalties divided as he cheered on both Tindall's horse and Long Run, which was ridden by his friend Sam Waley-Cohen. But as 33-1 outsider Monbeg Dude lagged hopelessly behind, the duke focused on Long Run, shouting 'come on Sam' at the top of his voice as it secured third place.
It was revealed this week that Kate had been feeling much better after suffering badly at the beginning of her pregnancy, and had even been spotted indulging in a pastry when picking up her morning coffee at Starbucks.
The form book: Prince William, with Kate a step behind him does his research
Holly Branson and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, with friends watch the races with a keen interest
Punters asked William who they should bet on and he replied chirpily, 'a horse'
Social circle: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by dozens of friends in their box at Cheltenham
Neat: The Duchess was still looking slender, her small bump barely visible
The young Royal paired her peachy coat - one that she had worn previously before her marriage to William - with all-brown accessories - the £240 Betty Boop hat from Lock & Co, brown Rumba boots from Aquatalia by Marvin K, £488, and a matching brown clutch bag.Â
Kate and William, attending for the first time this week, arrived in time to settle in before the 3.20pm Gold Cup Steeple Chase, when the will cheer on Mike Tindall's horse, Monbeg Dude.
Princess Anne was also present at the race course after arriving earlier in the day.
Brown tights brigade! Kate is third royal to wear chocolate-toned tights at Cheltenham
Blossoming: Kate's bump was just about visible as she stepped out of the range Rover at the track
Enthusiastic parents-to-be: Kate and William are said to refer to their unborn baby as Little Grape
Day at the races! Kate and Wills arrive at Cheltenham
ELSEWHERE AT CHELTENHAM...
Thoughts of many at the Festival were with leading amateur jockey JT McNamara, who remains in hospital in a coma after suffering a serious neck injury when his horse fell.
The Irishman, 37, fell at the first fence while riding Galaxy Rock for trainer Jonjo O'Neill in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.
JT McNamara could undergo surgery. Medical staff were quickly on hand to treat him after the fall, and he was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol by air ambulance from the Gloucestershire course.
McNamara's uncle, the trainer Andrew McNamara, said: 'I've been told that JT is in an induced coma at the moment.'
Dr Adrian McGoldrick, chief medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, reports there to be no change in McNamara's condition but confirmed the rider has damaged two vertebrae.
'There has been no change overnight. He's still in the induced coma,' said Dr McGoldrick.
'It is a fracture of the C3 and C4 vertebrae. He will probably be going for surgery this morning but we will know more later in the day.'
More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the four-day race meeting, which is one of the highlights of the national hunt season.
Gate receipts are estimated to reach £7 million and bookmakers are anticipating a record-breaking year with industry turnover tipped to surpass the £600 millio n barrier.
Bright: Autumn Phillips stood out on the grey day in cerise coat and sculptural hat, while Princess Anne accessorised her green coat with a gold horse brooch
Racing fan: Princess Anne attends for the second time this week - and this time will be cheering on her son-in-law's horse
First race of the day: Runners in The JCB Triumph Hurdle Race approach the second flight during Cheltenham Gold Cup Day
Romping home: Ted Vale, ridden by Bryan Cooper (left) jumps the last to win The Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle race, ahead of Tennis Cap and jockey Paul Townend
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