Prince William leans on Royal Family members in Princess Kate’s absence at major royal event© GB News (CA)

Prince William has been seen leaning on a member of the Royal Family today in the absence of his wife Kate Middleton.

The Prince of Wales chatted with his uncle Prince Edward during the Order of the Garter procession this afternoon as they joined the King and Queen at the royal event.

Garter Day is an annual service to mark new appointments to the senior and oldest British Order of Chivalry.

Edward and William joined Charles and Camilla as they walked the normal route down the hill from the Berkshire Castle’s State Apartments to St George’s Chapel.

Prince William, Sophie, Edward© GB News (CA)

After the service, the Royal Family returned to the Castle by carriage.

Edward has been taking on a more active role in engagements and appeared at Trooping of the Colour over the weekend.

\u200bPrince William, Edward© GB News (CA)

The Duke of Edinburgh, who is Colonel of the London Guards, wore his uniform and rode in the parade whilst his older brother rode in a carriage.

Prince Andrew did not attend either the Garter Day service or Trooping the Colour.

This year, the King has appointed Baroness Manningham-Buller to the office of Chancellor of the Order of the Garter and The Lord Ashton of Hyde as the Master of the Horse.

Lord Lloyd-Webber was announced in April and is thought to be the first person in the arts and culture world to be made a member.

Prince William© GB News (CA)

At the time, Lord Lloyd-Webber described it as “the greatest honour of my life.”

It was revealed that Princess Kate would not be attending the service today, despite appearing at Trooping The Colour at the weekend.

The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and Trooping the Colour was her first public appearance of 2024.

King and Queen© GB News (CA)

GB News understands the royal’s appearance at Trooping the Colour does not signal a return to undertaking public duties.

The Princess of Wales hopes to join a few public engagements over the summer but will not attend Garter Day or Royal Ascot this week.

Kate said in a statement ahead of her appearance at Trooping the Colour: “I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.”