The Prince of Wales and Queen Camilla graced the second day of Royal Ascot, joining thousands of attendees at the prestigious event. Prince William, adorned in a top hat and morning dress, made a grand entrance in a horse-drawn carriage. This annual event, a highlight of the summer social calendar, spans five days at the Berkshire racecourse and attracts over 250,000 spectators globally.
Accompanying Prince William in the carriage were Queen Camilla and the Earl and Countess of Halifax. The King, currently undergoing cancer treatment, attended the opening day but was absent on Wednesday. Michael and Carole Middleton, parents of the Princess of Wales, also joined the royal family. The princess, who recently made her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis, attended Trooping the Colour to celebrate the King’s official birthday. She expressed gratitude for the support received since her diagnosis in March, noting her progress but acknowledging the ongoing challenges of chemotherapy.
The Middletons’ presence at Ascot marked their first public appearance since their daughter’s treatment began. Other notable attendees included Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who was recently honored as a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Zara Tindall, an accomplished equestrian, and the Duke of Edinburgh were also present. Prince William later awarded prizes to the winners of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes race.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, celebrating Prince William’s 41st birthday, attended the races for the second consecutive day. The royal couple arrived by horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by the Earl and Countess of Halifax. Queen Camilla wore a pale pink coat dress by Anna Valentine and a Philip Treacy hat, while King Charles waved his top hat as the national anthem played.
The royal couple treated some of their coronation contributors and close friends to prime seats at Royal Ascot. Joining them were Lord and Lady Halifax, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and close friends Lord Soames and Lady Sarah Keswick. In another carriage were Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall, along with musical theater legend Andrew Lloyd Webber, who composed the anthem for the King and Queen’s coronation.
Alan Titchmarsh, a supporter of Queen Camilla’s online reading club and the King’s gardening interests, was also in attendance. He presented the cup for the Windsor Castle Stakes later in the afternoon. This year marks the first Royal Ascot of King Charles’ reign, continuing a tradition upheld during Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign.
The races commenced on Tuesday, with Charles and Camilla joined by many of the Queen’s family, including her sister Annabel Elliot and her son Tom Parker Bowles. The event continues until Saturday, with William and Kate expected to join the festivities later in the week.
Zara Tindall shared with PEOPLE that horses are a constant topic of family conversation, highlighting the family’s deep connection to equestrian activities. The professional rider mentioned that discussions about horse performances and breeding are common within the family.
The second day of Royal Ascot saw a vibrant mix of royalty and notable figures, all coming together to celebrate the prestigious event. The presence of the Prince of Wales and Queen Camilla added a touch of royal elegance to the occasion, making it a memorable day for all attendees.
