The Duchess of Cambridge is set to make her long-awaited return to Royal Ascot today after a three-year absence. She will be accompanied by Prince William in the carriage procession, marking her first appearance at the prestigious racing event since 2023. Kate missed last year’s event due to ongoing cancer treatment, causing some confusion, but Kensington Palace clarified that her absence was planned.
Joining the royal couple in the carriages will be the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, while the first carriage will carry Lady Sarah Chatto, daughter of Princess Margaret, and her husband Daniel. Political commentator Rory Stewart will also be among the guests.
Prince Charles and Camilla are hoping for a win at Royal Ascot with their horse, Point of Law, competing in the Queen’s Vase. Despite a disappointing performance from their other horse, Reaching High, the royal couple remains optimistic about their upcoming races.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently appeared at Trooping the Colour ceremony with their children and participated in the Garter Day celebrations at Windsor Castle. Prince George, their eldest son, joined the celebrations for the King’s official birthday and is set to attend Eton College in the fall.
At the start of Royal Ascot, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal procession, accompanied by close friends the Duke and Duchess of Wellington. Princess Anne and her son, Peter Phillips, with his new wife Harriet, followed in the second carriage. This marked the couple’s first official appearance since their wedding in the Cotswolds, attended by senior members of the Royal Family.
Later in the day, Charles and Camilla were seen cheering on the horses from the royal box, joined by other members of the royal family. While their initial race did not yield the desired results, they remain hopeful with four more horses set to compete throughout the week.
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