It is one of the highlights of the social calendar and the most prestigious equestrian festival in the country.
Now the king has told courtiers that he wants to honor his late mother’s memory by attending this summer’s Royal Ascot.
The five-day meeting, held in June, was such a favorite of the late Queen that she only missed one Ascot during her 70-year reign. In 2022, the year of her death, she watched ten of her horses compete on her television at Windsor Castle.
The King, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, is understood to be eager to return to action, and his aides are so pleased with his progress that they are planning for him to attend the event.
Charles, diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February, was expected to miss due to his grueling treatment. But he has made it clear to the courtiers that he is determined to look after his horses, many of them bred by the late Queen.
The King has told courtiers that he wants to honor the memory of his late mother by attending this summer’s Royal Ascot. Pictured with Queen Camilla on the fifth day of Ascot last year.
The five-day meeting, held in June, was such a favorite of the late Queen that she only missed one Ascot during her 70-year reign. In the photo: The king and queen Camilla last year on the fifth day.
The King, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, is understood to be eager to return to action, and his aides are so pleased with his progress that they are planning for him to attend the event. Pictured: The King and Queen Camilla on the third day of Ascot last year.
A racing source said: “Racing is an important part of the legacy he inherited from his mother and cherishes.” That’s why he will want to go so badly.
Insiders predicted that the King’s attendance would be a huge boost to ticket sales, with audiences clamoring to see him in the royal box and in an open-top carriage.
It is understood he will also be able to attend Trooping the Colour, three days before Ascot begins.
Charles, 75, plans to spend “at least” one day at the racing festival and will host a lunch for a select “bubble” of friends and family.
Those closest to Charles see Royal Ascot (and Trooping the Colour) as the perfect events for him to reconnect with the public.
The new protocol dictates that you must see the public outdoors, which will allow you to stay safe from contracting airborne diseases while being vulnerable to treatment.
The open carriage rides taken by royals at Ascot are the perfect way to be seen, while the glass-fronted royal box will help Charles resist the temptation to shake hands with well-wishers, which he did out of habit when he went out of Windsor Castle. after an Easter Sunday service.
King Charles looked thrilled as he won after his horse Desert Hero won his race during Ladies’ Day on the third day of Royal Ascot last year.
King Charles and Queen Camilla smile as they arrive at Royal Ascot on June 22, 2023.
Charles pets Desert Hero, who won the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot last year
Zara and Mike Tindall lead the Royal Family’s arrivals at Ladies Day at Royal Ascot in 2023
A photography exhibition curated by royal photographer Chris Jackson was at Royal Ascot in 2023 to mark the late Queen’s close association with the event and her lifelong interest in horses.
King Charles III (wearing his Welsh Guards uniform) watches an RAF flyover from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Color on June 17, 2023 in London.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla (Colonel in the Grenadier Guards) watch an RAF flyover from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Color last year.
Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla watch horses in the Parade Ring at Royal Ascot in 2013
A source said: “Ascot is the perfect event for their current ‘bubble’-style distancing preferences – there will be plenty of fresh air and plenty of opportunities to be seen by Royal fans who will be desperate to catch a glimpse.” I’d bet he’ll attend on Tuesday, King Charles III’s betting day.
Last year, the five-furlong King Charles III Stakes was named in honor of the monarch’s first week of racing since ascending the throne.
He attended all five days and was rewarded when Desert Hero, an 18-1 shot bred by his dam, won the King George V Stakes. The King was visibly moved and Camilla was seen wiping away a tear. Zara Tindall, the King’s niece, said it was a “bittersweet” moment.
Last night Johnno Spence, chief executive of horse racing company JSC Comms, said: “This is good news for racegoers as it means it is on the mend and the King and Queen are a crucial part of Royal Ascot and horse racing in general.
‘Many people buy tickets to Royal Ascot just to see the royal carriage procession, and the prospect of seeing the King and Queen up close is a big selling point. I hope there will now be a strong increase in ticket sales.
‘Charles has shown a commitment to racing since becoming King and I am sure he will have some great horses racing. “The Ascot executives will be delighted to see you there, cheering them on.”
