The Queen made a quick dash from London to Windsor today after the State Opening of Parliament with Prince Charles, to attend the second day of Royal Ascot racing.
The Queen and Camilla enjoying day two of Royal Ascot with Her Majesty’s racing manager, behind (Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images)
She was joined by Charles, Camilla, Princess Anne, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra.
In 2001, Elizabeth II opened Parliament and then hurried to Ascot, too, but the events don’t usually fall on the same day.
She had a quick change of clothing before showing up at the races, going from the cornflower blue day dress she wore for the State Opening, to a sunny yellow ensemble for the event.
For the royal procession, Her Majesty rode in the first carriage with The Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Lord Fellowes (HM’s former private secretary), seemingly unfazed by her nine-minute speech in the House of Lords, and the heat.
Prince Philip would have joined her, but was hospitalised last night ‘as a precaution‘ due to an infection.
The Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Michael of Kent and The Duke of Gloucester rode in the second carriage.
Completing the procession was Princess Alexandra, Mrs James Tollemache, James Swartz and The Hon. James Tollemache.
The Queen has not missed a day’s racing since her coronation in 1953, and it is often thought to be her favourite event of the year.
Tomorrow is Ladies’ Day at the racecourse, which also features the prestigious Gold Cup race.
