The Royal Family and Ascot go hand in hand. Every summer, thousands of people flock to the Berkshire racecourse to enjoy the revelry in their gladrags. It is not just about watching the fillies; racegoers spend hundreds of pounds on tickets to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family as they arrive in style in the spectacular carriage procession.
The Carriage Procession
At 2pm on the dot, the royal party departs Windsor Great Park for the Ascot grandstand in a highly choreographed parade. It features four horse-drawn landaus that carry members of the Royal Family and their exclusive guests, signalling the start of the racing. The regal display reinforces the timeless grandeur of Royal Ascot and reminds us of the Firm's enduring role in the sport of kings.
Royal Enthusiasm
It is not just the public who enjoy descending on the UK's finest horse-racing venue; the Royal Family love it too. No one more than the late Queen Elizabeth II, a devoted equestrian, breeder and owner of racehorses. She was at her happiest when watching horse-racing. Royal Ascot was the highlight of her year. Racing was her passion; she knew the ins and outs of each of the horses on the track thanks to her forensic reading of the Racing Post. She keenly watched each of the races from the Royal Box, holding her racecard and cheering on her own entries with trepidation. When her filly, Estimate, won the Gold Cup in 2013, the monarch could not contain her glee when it won by a neck.
King Charles and Queen Camilla
While the King and Queen are not as enthusiastic about horse racing as the late monarch, they still enjoy the event and have ensured they attend all five days of the meeting each year. It demonstrates their commitment to the industry and is also a sign of their own personal enjoyment in attending.
A Family Occasion
It is always a family occasion, with senior royals taking it in turn to join them at Ascot. Yesterday, they were joined by the Princess Royal, newlyweds Peter and Harriet Phillips and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Today, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to attend. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are also expected to attend the sporting showcase, and Mike and Zara Tindall usually attend every day.
More Than a Social Event
Royal Ascot is so much more than just a social occasion or opportunity for people to show off their eye-catching hats and stylish summer dresses. It is one of the most significant racing events and is a proud British tradition for royals and members of the public alike.
