Prince William Takes the Field for Annual Charity Polo Match Without Kate Middleton

TLDR:

* The Prince of Wales, 43, competed in the annual Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup at Guards Polo Club on July 11, one of his favorite summer traditions. Sporting a blue jersey with the number 4, William took the field on horseback against the scenic backdrop of Windsor Castle.
* While Kate, 43, did not attend, her absence reflects the careful pace she is taking as she resumes royal life after revealing last month that the post-treatment phase of her cancer recovery has been “very difficult.” “She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,” [Queen Elizabeth](https://people.com/tag/queen-elizabeth/)’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson told PEOPLE in a recent [cover story](https://people.com/kate-middleton-summer-strength-major-shifts-coming-exclusive-11755897).
* Friday’s appearance marks William’s 14th time playing in the match and comes just days after he and Kate stepped out together for the French state visit, where they greeted French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, and attended a glittering banquet at Windsor Castle alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. The upcoming Wimbledon finals are expected to mark Kate’s next appearance.