Queen Camilla appeared in high spirits as she arrived at the Ebor Festival in York today.
The 77-year-old royal, who is a patron of York Racecourse, cut an elegant figure in a pale blue dress with floral embellishments.
Camilla paired her coat with a white hat and opted for minimalist makeup for the occasion.
The Queen completed her race day ensemble with a blush pink leather handbag and nude high heels.
During today’s visit, Camilla opened the Bustardthorpe Development, which has been designed to enhance the race-goer experience.
Pictured: Queen Camilla appeared in high spirits as she arrived at the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse.
The royals will also present the trophy to the winner of the Ebor Handicap, which is the oldest race in the organisation’s history, dating back to 1843.
After officially opening the Bustardthorpe Development, Camilla will tour the site, which features rainwater harvesting tanks, solar panels and a green roof.
Camilla’s engagement comes after her surprise appearance at the racecourse yesterday.
The royal was spotted with William Derby, chief executive of York Racecourse, and sporting her horseshoe brooch with rubies, diamonds and sapphires.
The brooch also features letters spelling out the name “Minoru”, which was one of King Edward VII’s most successful horses.
In 1909, the thoroughbred won the Epsom Derby, making King Edward VII the first monarch to win during his reign.
The late Queen’s love of horses began when she was just four years old, after her grandfather, King George V, gave her a small Shetland pony.
At the age of six she fell in love with horse riding, becoming an accomplished rider in her teens and has continued to ride for pleasure throughout her life.
The 77-year-old royal, who is a patron of York Racecourse, cut an elegant figure in a pale blue dress with floral embellishments.
During today’s visit, Camilla opened the Bustardthorpe Development, which has been designed to enhance the race-goer experience.
Pictured: The royals shake hands with members of the parachute display team during day four of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York Racecourse.
During today’s visit, Camilla will open the Bustardthorpe Development, which has been designed to enhance the race-going experience.
Pictured: Queen Camilla made a surprise appearance at the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse yesterday
Camilla’s brooch also features letters spelling out the name “Minoru”, which was one of King Edward VII’s most successful horses.
The royal was spotted with William Derby, who is the chief executive of York Racecourse, and wearing her ruby, diamond and sapphire horseshoe brooch.
The royals will also present the trophy to the winner of the Ebor Handicap, which is the oldest race in the organisation’s history, dating back to 1843.
Like her late mother-in-law, Camilla is also known for her love of horses. She is even said to have taken over the day-to-day management of the late queen’s stables from the king.
John Warren, the late Queen’s racing and bloodstock adviser, has previously said it is Camilla, rather than her husband, who has the greater passion for horses.
He said: “He’s always followed it, but it’s been his mother’s interest so he’s kept it at arm’s length. He owns a few horses himself, notably with the (then) Duchess of Cornwall. She’s absolutely fascinated by racing.”
She has also had a lifelong association with equestrian charities. As Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla supported the Ebony Horse Club, the British Equestrian Federation and the Brooke Hospital for Animals.
In 2013, she joined Queen Elizabeth II on a joint visit to the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, south London, where children learn to ride in an urban environment.
Camilla has also often spoken about her childhood, spent riding ponies, along with her other great passion: reading.
In a recent interview with Nobel Prize winner for children’s literature Joseph Coelho, Camilla said: “I guess I have to admit that, in the end, I ended up probably being a kind of Black Beauty-crazy child, who I would howl about night after night.”