King Charles and Queen Camilla beam as they arrive for first day of Royal Ascot
The King and Queen have delighted racegoers by turning up for the first day of Royal Ascot.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have delighted fans by arriving for the first day of Royal Ascot.
The royal couple looked the part in their respective formal dress with the King wearing a morning suit and top hat and the Queen in a striking royal blue dress and matching hat.
Charles and Camilla were in the first carriage of the royal procession and were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.
Following behind them was Princess Anne, her son Peter Phillips, Lady Gabriella Kingston and the Firm's racing manager John Warren.
Ahead of the first races, the King and Queen wished racegoers the "best of luck" in chasing the "thrill of a Royal Ascot winner".
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Writing jointly in the official programme, Charles and Camilla said: "It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero's victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her late Majesty.
"We wish all the participants this week the very best of luck in seeking that unique thrill of a Royal Ascot winner.
"We also hope that those here at the racecourse and watching from home will enjoy five days of the finest racing that this sport has to offer."
The King and Queen took on the late Queen's thoroughbreds and have entered a string of horses over the next five days. The late Queen was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds, and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.
Last year Their Majesties' horse Desert Hero won the King George V Stakes, the King's first winner at the Berkshire racecourse since ascending the throne.
Charles has given permission for the King’s Stand Stakes, the Group 1 five furlong sprint run today, to be renamed the King Charles III Stakes.
