King Charles 'to attend all five days' of Royal Ascot after 'surprising himself by how much he enjoys it'
The king's following in his mother's footstepsKing Charles is reportedly set to attend the whole of the Royal Ascot this year after discovering an “unexpected enthusiasm” for the event.
The king, 76, has regularly attended the races over the years. However, it wasn’t until he became king that he surprised himself by how much he enjoyed it apparently.
King Charles ‘surprising himself ‘ with Royal Ascot enjoyment
The king could be set to appear at all five days of the Royal Ascot later this month.
The event is set to kick off next Tuesday, June 17.
It’s believed that his new leading role has sparked a genuine passion in the races.
“Camilla has been passionate about horse racing for many years but the king has surprised himself by how much he enjoys it,” a source told The Sun.
The king will reportedly be watching the two horses he has competing at the festival in the royal box, alongside Queen Camilla.
The source added that the festival provides the king with “an opportunity to catch up with guests and show support for the horse racing industry”.
The royals at the Ascot
Last year, Charles attended four days of the festival amid his cancer treatment. However, he wasn’t the only royal in attendance.
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were present on one of the days, as was Peter Phillips and his partner, Harriet Sperling.
Princess Anne, Zara Tindall, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Edward all made appearances too.
Camilla has been passionate about horse racing for many years but the king has surprised himself by how much he enjoys it.
Prince William and Princess Eugenie attended on the second day of proceedings.
Mike Tindall and Sarah Ferguson also made appearances.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was a huge fan of the Royal Ascot and was a regular attendee at the festival. She only missed one Royal Ascot in her 70-year reign. This was in 2022, just a few months before her death. She could not attend the 2020 festival due to it being held “behind closed doors”.
Between 1953 and 2019, the queen had been in the winner’s enclosure 24 times. She also made history when she became the first monarch to win the Gold Cup. This happened in 2013, when her horse, Estimate, won.
King set to ‘miss riding horseback’ at Trooping the Colour again
News of the king’s interest in horse racing comes just days after it was claimed that he will likely never ride on horseback at Trooping the Colour again.
Last year, the king arrived at the parade via horse drawn carriage. This was down to his safety and comfort amid his cancer treatment.
This year, the king will once again arrive via carriage as he continues to undergo treatment for cancer.
It’s been reported that he will likely never ride on horseback again for Trooping the Colour, especially considering he is now in his late 70s.
Charles became the first monarch to ride on horseback at the parade in 2023 since Queen Elizabeth II did so back in 1986.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.
Read more: Trooping the Colour: Every royal set to appear on palace balcony for 2025 parade
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