Members of the royal family and a host of famous faces descended on Ascot Racecourse for one of the most glamorous events of the British summer season.
Coming hot on the heels of two ceremonies steeped in tradition – Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter procession – last week’s Royal Ascot race meeting gave the family an opportunity to come together and celebrate one of their greatest shared passions.
Just like his mother the late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, 75, and his wife Queen Camilla, 76, have a deep interest in all things equestrian and showed their support as they arrived on the parade ground on the first day, looking ready for the races.
“The King was almost back to his best at Ascot. I always think he looks rather dapper in his morning suit and top hat, which is always complemented by a snazzy waistcoat, tie and pocket handkerchief,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK!. “And Camilla is smashing it out of the park these days with her colourful and elegant styles.”
Charles’ return to events like Ascot came after his doctors gave him the green light to get back to a fuller diary following treatment for cancer this year. The pleasure the King is experiencing from his new-found freedom – or being “allowed out of his cage”, as he put it – is clear to see.
“Ascot is always a very busy and distracting time – and being busy helps to put any health worries you might have to the back of your mind,” says Jennie. “He also has his wife at his side and immersing themselves in the joy Ascot brings shows that he is ready to enjoy a hopefully restful and relaxing summer.”
As for how their shared passion for horses brings the couple even closer, she says, “Charles and Camilla share a great enthusiasm for the races and that is a huge bonus for them as a couple.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities
