This last week saw members of the Royal Family attend the famous annual week of horse racing, synonymous with the Monarchy itself – Royal Ascot. It was the first time the event had taken place since the passing of Elizabeth II.
To begin this week’s activities, The King and Queen issued a joint message stating they are happy to know Ascot ‘continues to be a key influence on the global racing and breeding industries’.
Charles and Camilla noted that the racing event always played a ‘central role’ in Elizabeth II’s calendar and ‘the naming of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes will be a most appropriate way to make this lifelong interest’, after the late Queen was honoured in this way.
The King and Queen attended every day of Royal Ascot this year. (Royal Family)
Tuesday 20th June
On the first day of this week’s events, The King and Queen led the Royal Family for the horse racing festivities. Queen Camilla was seen wearing the Scallop Shell Brooch, which was previously worn by Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
They were joined by The Princess Royal, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mozzi and Zara and Mike Tindall. Peter Philips and his girlfriend, Lindsey Wallace, were also present.
The races saw The King and Queen show some great facial expressions as they were gripped by the races. They were joined by Tom Parker-Bowles, Her Majesty’s son, in the royal box.
Wednesday 21st June
The King and Queen attended the second day of racing. Her Majesty presented the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes trophy. Their Majesties were joined by The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, Zara and Mike Tindall and The Duchess of Gloucester.
Day Two of Royal Ascot – The King and Queen are joined by The Duchess of Edinburgh to watch the race
Thursday 22nd June
The third day of Ascot was a special occasion for Their Majesties as it saw them win their first race. Her Majesty was seen wearing the same brooch that she wore on Christmas Day in 2022.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s horse, Desert Hero, won the King George V Stakes. Following the race, The King and Queen spoke to their jockey, Tom Marquand. The couple received the King George V trophy, which was presented by The Duke of Kent.
The Duchess of Edinburgh was also seen attending along with her father, Christopher Rhys-Jones.
Friday 23rd June
On the fourth day, guests were treated to a special turnout from the Royal Family.
The King and Queen were seen in the first carriage, followed by The Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Beatrice and Edo in the second carriage. The Duchess of Edinburgh was seen in the third carriage.
It was down to The Prince and Princess of Wales to present the Commonwealth Cup to the team behind Shaquille.
Saturday 24th June
On the final day of Ascot 2023, The King and Queen attended the closing races.
