Princess Kate releases fresh statement just days after return to public life

She wrote: "Congratulations to @AinslieBen and the whole INEOS Britannia Team on qualifying for the 37th America’s Cup! A fantastic display of teamwork, skill and determination.

"Best of luck for the final challenge! C".

It is understood that Sir Ben and the Princess of Wales are very old friends.

This is the first time in 60 years that Britain has made it this far in the competition.

Sir Ben previously said regarding the royal in 2022: "She has sailed with me on foiling boats - so we're expecting a little bit of extra help."

The duo stepped out in Plymouth to take part in a catamaran race.

Kate donned a wet suit as she prepared to join Sir Ben at the Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) competition in Plymouth.

The 42-year-old first met Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie at the London 2012 Olympics, where he won his fourth gold medal.

The pair then teamed up in 2014 for the launch of the UK's America's Cup bid.

Kate was given a tour of the Ben Ainslie Racing headquarters in Portsmouth by the sailing champion as part of her work with the 1851 Trust in February 2015.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales have also shown their support for Sir Ben as he competed in the America's Cup in 2015 and 2016.

Kate also took to the waves as she joined the sailor for a training session in Portsmouth in 2016.

Today marked Kate's first statement since her return to public life earlier this week.

On Wednesday, the royal's social media team posted two new pictures of the princess as she met a young girl battling cancer in Windsor Castle.