King Charles and Queen Camilla have confirmed they will attend the Epsom Derby on Saturday, June 6, the same day as the wedding of the King's nephew, Peter Phillips. The Jockey Club announced that the royal couple will be at Epsom Downs Racecourse for Betfred Derby Day, where they will watch the 247th running of the prestigious race.
The King and Queen are joint patrons of the Jockey Club, and their attendance continues a long tradition of royal presence at the event. During her 70-year reign, the late Queen only missed the Epsom Derby a handful of times. The horse racing event clashes with the nuptials of Peter Phillips, who is marrying Harriet Sperling in Kemble, Gloucestershire, nearly 100 miles away. However, it is expected that Charles and Camilla will attend the wedding ceremony before travelling to Epsom in time for the big race.
Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, expressed his delight: 'We are honoured and thrilled that The King and Queen will be joining us at Epsom Downs on Derby Day. Their Majesties show great enthusiasm, interest and support for horse racing in the UK and their attendance next week will be a proud moment for all of the team here and everyone connected with the racecourse.'
Peter Phillips, the late Queen's oldest grandchild, will marry Harriet Sperling in a private ceremony at All Saints Church in Kemble. The 48-year-old is the brother of Zara Tindall and son of Princess Anne. He shares custody of his two children, Savannah and Isla, with his first wife, Autumn, from whom he separated in 2020. The couple were guests of Charles and Camilla at Royal Ascot last year.
