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King Charles braved the heat along with Queen Camilla as they showed their true feelings over Royal Ascot after suffering a “disappointing” start to the event.
The King and Queen weren’t the only royals to attend the Berkshire event this week either. Prince William was spotted at the races on Thursday, while Princess Anne and Zara Tindall attended along with Princess Beatrice and Duchess Sophie.
The King, who has been undergoing weekly cancer treatments, is said to have been “beaming” as he attended Ascot this week. And despite forecasts suggesting the mercury is set to 30c today (Saturday, June 21), the Daily Mail reports he will once again attend the race meet.
And while the monarch has reportedly enjoyed attending the social event, experts believe there is a “serious” reason for his attendance. The King is said to see how important the event can be for the racing scene.
Daily Mail Royal Editor Rebecca English said: “There has been a serious side to the King’s attendance: both he and his wife, Queen Camilla, feel strongly that Royal Ascot is an important showcase for both the British racing industry and the UK as a global tourist attraction, more generally.”
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
While the King may have been enjoying himself at Ascot so far, his horses have fared differently. The 76-year-old will be “disappointed” to see that all of his horses so far have lost their races.
Ascot was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 as a place where horses could “gallop at full stretch”. She launched Her Majesty’s Plate, a competition that was open to any horse, mare or gelding over the age of six.
Seven runners took part in races that consisted of three separate heats, each four miles long. The winning horse would have had to show immense stamina.
The event has now lasted through 13 different monarchs. Having grown to what it is today, Ascot attracts visitors from all over the world and is broadcast in over 180 different countries.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Will Aitkenhead, from Ascot, told the Daily Mail: “The support of the Royal Family for the meeting is incredible. People really look forward to seeing them here.
“Sometimes they have runners on the day and sometimes they are just here to support the industry, but either way they are an intrinsic part of the day.”
The royals have long had an affinity for horse riding, with Queen Elizabeth said to be passionate about racing. Both Anne and Zara are keen equestrians, with Anne winning a gold and silver Olympic medal in the three-day event and Zara winning silver in the team event at London 2012.
Last year The King and Queen both became patrons of The Jockey Club. At the time Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward at the Jockey Club, said: “They have shown great enthusiasm and support for equestrian sports over many years and everyone in racing in Britain and overseas was thrilled to see them enjoy success at Royal Ascot last year.”
