Charles makes 'huge Royal Ascot decision' amid change for Trooping the Colour
With the social event of the summer just around the corner, it appears the King has made his Royal Ascot plans clear with multiple appearances expected at the week-long race event
The social event of the season is just around the corner, with royals and horse racing fans alike all busy preparing for Royal Ascot. The days-long summer event begins on Tuesday and will run until next Saturday.
While it has been expected that King Charles and Queen Camilla will make at least one appearance at the five-day meeting, it seems that the couple are keen to offer their full support to the event. So much so that is has been reported that they will attend every single day of Royal Ascot, keeping a keen eye on the races from their royal box and taking part in the carriage procession.
In years past, Charles has been a regular feature at Royal Ascot, often seen supporting his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth who had a particular love of horses and racing - a love that is also shared by Camilla.
As well as his own passion for the races, King Charles has an important role to play at Royal Ascot since becoming King, and he is excited to get stuck into it.
A source told The Sun: 'Camilla has been passionate about horse racing for many years but the King has surprised himself by how much he enjoys it. It is an opportunity to catch up with guests and show support for the horse racing industry.'
It is believed the King has two horses running at the festival this year, although the full list of runners and riders has yet to be officially confirmed.
His horse The King's Falcon could be a smart bet after the three-year-old gelding won at Carlisle just two weeks ago. Royal Ascot week kicks off on Tuesday when the King Charles III Stakes is one of the opening day highlights.
The King Charles III Stakes, formerly known as the King's Stand Stakes, is a Group 1 flat horse race open to horses aged three years or older, marking the official beginning of Ascot week.
The tradition of Royal Ascot stems back to the early 1700s, with Queen Anne seeing the potential for a racecourse at East Cote, declaring that it looked an ideal place for 'horses to gallop at full stretch' while out riding. Her Majesty's Plate, which was a race open to any horse over the age of six, first took place on August 11th 1711, with Royal Ascot only growing from then.
The revelation of King Charles' Ascot appearances comes after it has been reported that Charles will not ride a horse in Trooping the Colour on Saturday. Instead of mounting a horse, like he has done in previous years, it is expected that the monarch will join Camilla in the royal carriage for the procession to and from Buckingham Palace.
The decision was made for the King to ride in the carriage for the second year in a row due to the fact that it would be more comfortable and safe for the King following his treatment for cancer.
The last time King Charles rode in Trooping the Colour was in 2023, which was the first time a monarch had ridden in the parade since Queen Elizabeth did in 1986.
Although Charles will not be on horseback for the procession, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward will be taking part in the parade on their trusty horses.
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