Prince William Comes to Kate Middleton's Mother's Rescue During Royal Ascot Misstep

Kate Middleton may not be seen in public again for a while following her big Trooping the Colour appearance, but her family is more than happy to step in and stand by her man.

Carole and Michael Middleton both stepped out alongside Prince William during the second day of the Royal Ascot—a special week of races at the Ascot racecourse each June—where the Prince of Wales turned the tables to give his mother-in-law a hand when she found herself in a bit of a sticky situation.

As the royal group made their way across the grass, Carole, 69, found herself sinking into the soft ground, getting the heel of her pump stuck in the dirt. As she struggled to find her balance and release herself, her son-in-law came to her aid, reaching out a hand to hold her stead as she freed her foot, looking overjoyed with a giant smile on his face as he did so.

The two were well-matched for the occasion, with Carole draped in a powder blue dress with a floral imprint and matching fascinator, while William brightened up his charcoal trousers and black tailcoat with a light blue vest over a matching button-up, accessorized with a patterned tie, floral lapel pin, and black top hat.

The Princess of Wales has been keeping out of the public eye throughout her cancer treatment, although she made an exception over the weekend when she joined William and their three children, Prince George, who turns 11 next month, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, for her father-in-law's birthday parade.

Next: How Kate Middleton Deviated From Royal Tradition With Her Recent Tribute to Prince William