The Prince and Princess of Wales delighted royal fans on Wednesday with a behind-the-scenes portrait from their day at Royal Ascot.
Kate, 44, had returned to the Berkshire racecourse for the first time since 2023, accompanied by her husband, Prince William, watching a day of action-packed drama from the Royal Box.
Afterwards, they appeared to signal the start of a new tradition by sharing a candid photo of themselves standing outside in their finery – similar to the personal portraits they often share ahead of state banquets.
Sharing the image to their official social media accounts, the royal couple wrote, “A wonderful day at Royal Ascot. W & C,” adding their personal initials to show that the message came directly from them.
Eagle-eyed royal fans soon spotted that they were standing in front of a set of tall double doors and wondered if the photo was taken on the porch of their new Forest Lodge home.
One person speculated: “The picture is all the more personal that it was taken at their new residence Forest Lodge.”
However, William and Kate have not confirmed where the picture was taken. Others theorised it could have been captured outside Windsor Castle, instead.
A ‘fresh start’ at Forest Lodge
Prince William and Kate moved to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in October with their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight.
It is said to be their “forever home” and marks a “fresh start” for the family after a difficult few years, including Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024.
The couple has secured a 20-year lease on the property, paying £307,200 in annual rent, and is reportedly intending to live there even when William becomes King one day.
They previously lived in the four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, which is also situated in Windsor.
The location means they are close to Windsor Castle and to Kate’s family, including her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who live at Bucklebury Manor in Berkshire.
© WireImageThey are also close to Eton College, where Prince George will attend from September as a boarder.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have kept their new home very private since moving in, and have not publicly shared any photos.
Returning to Royal Ascot
On Wednesday, Kate made a triumphant return to Royal Ascot, marking the end of her three-year hiatus from the event.
© Getty ImagesKate did not attend in 2024 following her cancer diagnosis. She was listed in the carriage procession in 2025, but pulled out of attending at the last minute.
The royal mother-of-three looked stunning in a vibrant yellow Roksanda dress and a Jane Taylor hat as she beamed to crowds during the official carriage procession next to her husband, Prince William.
She was later spotted in the Royal Box, watching the day’s action alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as her mother Carole and former England manager, Sir Gareth Southgate.
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