Sporty Kate Middleton steals the show at The King's Cup sailing regatta

And they're off!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge set sail on Thursday as part of the Royal Foundation's inaugural King's Cup in Cowes, Isles of Wight, to raise money and funds for eight of the royals' charities. Thursday's event saw the parents-of-three compete as skippers on different boats for their individual charities.

Kate looked very much in her element for the event, opting for a King's Cup hat, windbreaker and New Balance tennis shoes (which we found on sale!).

Each chose four of their patronages to highlight: Prince William selected Child Bereavement UK, Centrepoint, London’s Air Ambulance Charity 30th Anniversary Campaign and Tusk, while Kate opted to support The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, Action on Addiction, Place2Be and The Royal Foundation's work with Early Years.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte also made a surprise appearance at the cup alongside their grandparents to watch their parents compete.

"Their Royal Highnesses hope that The King’s Cup will become an annual event, bringing greater awareness to the wider benefits of sport, whilst also raising support and funds for the causes that The Duke and Duchess support," explained Kensington Palace.

The winner of the race will be awarded The King's Cup, which was first presented by King George V at Cowes’ Royal Yacht Squadron in 1920.