It is one of the highlights of the social calendar and the most prestigious horse racing festival in the country.
The king has now told courtiers he wants to honor his late mother’s memory by attending Royal Ascot this summer.
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 saw ten of her horses compete on television at Windsor Castle.
The king, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, appears eager to return to action – and his aides are so pleased with his progress that they plan for him to attend the event.
Charles – diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February – was expected to be absent due to his grueling treatment. But he made it clear to courtiers that he was determined to watch over his horses, many of which were bred by the late queen.
The king told courtiers he wanted to honor his late mother’s memory by attending Royal Ascot this summer. 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. Pictured: King and Queen Camilla last year on the fifth day
The king, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, appears eager to return to action – and his aides are so pleased with his progress that they plan for him to attend the event. Pictured: King and Queen Camilla on day three of Ascot last year
A sports source said: “Racing is an important part of the legacy he inherited from his mother and cherishes. This is why he will want to go there so much.
Insiders predicted the king’s presence would be a big boost to ticket sales, with the public clamoring to see him in the royal box – and in an open-top carriage.
It is understood he could also attend Trooping the Color, three days before Ascot begins.
Charles, 75, plans to spend “at least” a day at the racing festival and will host a lunch for a selected “bubble” of friends and family.
Those close to Charles see Royal Ascot – and Trooping the Color – as the perfect events for him to reconnect with the public.
The new protocol requires him to see members of the public outdoors, allowing him to avoid contracting airborne diseases while still being vulnerable to treatment.
The open-top carriage rides hosted by the 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 has done out of habit when he left Windsor Castle. after an Easter Sunday service.
King Charles looked emotional as he won after their horse Desert Hero won his Ladies Day race on day three of Royal Ascot last year.
King Charles and Queen Camilla smile as they arrive at Royal Ascot on June 22, 2023
Charles strokes Desert Hero who won the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot last year
Zara and Mike Tindall led the royal family’s arrivals at Ladies Day at Royal Ascot in 2023
A photographic exhibition curated by royal photographer Chris Jackson took place 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 flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Color on June 17, 2023 in London.
Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla view horses in the parade ring at Royal Ascot in 2013
A source said: “Ascot is the perfect event for its current ‘bubble’ style distance preferences – there will be plenty of fresh air and plenty of chances to be seen by Royal fans who will be desperate to an overview. I would bet it will come on Tuesday, King Charles III Stakes Day.
Last year’s 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, CEO of horse racing company JSC Comms, said: “This is good news for racing fans because it means he 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 simply to watch the royal carriage procession, and the prospect of seeing the King and Queen up close is a huge selling point. I expect there to be a big increase in ticket sales now.
“Charles has shown commitment to racing since becoming king and I am sure he will have excellent horses racing. The Ascot management will be absolutely delighted to see him there and cheer them on.
dailymail us
