The godfather of Princess Charlotte and his wife were seen supporting Prince William at Ascot after Princess Kate pulled out of the event last minute.
Thomas van Staubenzee has long been a close friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
His solo appearance was buoyed by the support of Van Staubenzee and his wife Lucy.
Prince William was supported by the godfather of Princess Charlotte at Ascot after Princess Kate pulled out
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Van Straubenzee attended prep school with William, joining him at Ludgrove School in Berkshire, and has been a close ally since.
He is a partner and Global Head of Private Office of international real estate consultancy.
Such was the bond between the businessman and William that he was named the godfather of Princess Charlotte, 10.
William and Kate also introduced Van Straubenzee to his second wife Lucy Lanigan-O'Keeffe, who taught Princess Charlotte at St Thomas's Battersea school.
Van Staubenzee was seen watching the races from the balcony with William
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Van Straubenzee and Lucy were seen alongside William as they watched the races from the balcony.
All three were pictured cheering on the various events as the Prince of Wales enjoyed a drink.
Lucy could also be seen chatting with William and others on the balcony.
The elite estate agent's support of the royals was reminiscent of his regular appearances alongside William and his eldest son, Prince George, at football matches.
The old ally of William has joined him and Prince George to watch Aston Villa games
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Van Straubenzee accompanied William and George to watch their beloved Birmingham based football club, Aston Villa, take on French team Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in April.
The Prince of Wales was left to enjoy the glorious weather at Ascot on Wednesday without his wife as Kate did not attend.
Her name appeared on the official carriage list published at midday, confirming she would travel in the second carriage with William during the traditional procession.
However, Kensington Palace announced her withdrawal before 12.30pm, less than two hours before the 2pm procession was due to begin.
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William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in the Royal Procession after Kate was announced to be missing the event
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Ascot officials quickly issued a revised carriage list reflecting Kate's absence from the event.
GB News understands the Princess of Wales is disappointed not to attend the renowned social and sporting event.
Prince William joined King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud in the first carriage for the Royal Procession.
Nevertheless, William later presented a trophy to British jockey William Buick after he and the horse Ombudsman triumphed in the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
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