Queen Camilla hailed Royal Ascot as the “Best of British” after a day at the races alongside Hollywood star Stanley Tucci. The King and his wife welcomed guests in the royal box, including the Devil Wears Prada actor and his wife Felicity Blunt, the Princess of Wales’ parents Carole and Michael Middleton, and the Princess Royal with her daughter Zara Phillips.
When asked by ITV Racing about the enduring appeal of the world-famous Berkshire meet, Camilla said, “I love it.” However, she lamented her luck on the track after two of her horses were well beaten earlier in the week, adding, “you can but hope.”
Ladies' Day Fashion Extravaganza
Royal Ascot racegoers showcased a riot of colorful hats to celebrate Ladies’ Day, with designs featuring ostrich feathers, pipe-cleaner flowers, and even a miniature chair. The Queen praised the sartorial elegance of female attendees when quizzed about Ascot’s charm: “Well it’s the best of British really, isn’t it. It doesn’t matter whether you love horses or don’t know much about them, you come here for a really good day to experience fun, the best racing in the world, and elegant women.”
She added, “In the world we live in, it’s wonderful to get away and enjoy yourself. That’s what Ascot does—you get pageantry and procession. I love it; it’s five days of pleasure.”
Royal Support for Racing
The royal couple have taken on the late Queen’s role as racing’s most high-profile supporters, attending every day of the five-day meet. They continue to race the late Queen’s stable of horses and have become enthusiastic owners. Their first Royal Ascot win came in 2023 with Desert Hero in the King George V Stakes.
When offered good luck for her remaining runners, Camilla replied, “Oh goodness me we need that, a long shot today but maybe tomorrow, you can but hope.” However, her horse Golden Orbit was well beaten in the Ribblesdale Stakes later that afternoon.
Celebrity Guests and Unique Hats
Other celebrity guests included singer James Blunt and presenter Holly Willoughby. Among the standout hats, Angela Menz, an Australian milliner, wore a bouquet-shaped creation made from colored pipe cleaners. She said, “My inspiration was to take something ordinary and make something special. I love the pomp and formality of the day.”
Hat designer Odette (Joan Ma) created a miniature chair hat that appeared ready to fall off the model’s head. She explained, “Many hats are decorated with flowers; I wanted to try something different.”
