KING Charles is set to attend every day of Royal Ascot after he “surprised himself” at how much he loves the occasion.
He and Camilla will be ever-present at the five-day meet, cheering on their horses from the royal box.
King Charles will attend every day of Royal Ascot this year after admitting he ‘surprised himself’ at how much he loves the occasion[/caption]
The King and Queen enjoying the Ascot meeting[/caption]
Charles has been a regular at the event throughout the years supporting his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who loved horse racing. Camilla is also a big fan.
But since Charles became King, he has had a leading role there — and has enjoyed getting stuck in.
A source said: “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, although the full list of runners and riders has yet to be officially confirmed.
His horse The King’s Falcon could be a shrewd bet after the three-year-old gelding won at Carlisle two weeks ago.
The week kicks off on Tuesday when the King Charles III Stakes is one of the opening day highlights.
But news of the King’s fondness of racing comes after it emerged the 76-year-old will not appear on horseback at Trooping the Colour tomorrow.
It is the second year in a row Charles has been forced to ride in a carriage for his official birthday parade because of his prostate operation and cancer diagnosis.
BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM
By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor
FOOTIE great David Beckham bends in a bow for King Charles during a palace awards bash — in possible practise for being knighted.
The ex-England captain, 50, who is set to become Sir David, joined a host of famous faces for the 35th anniversary of the King’s Foundation Awards at St James’s Palace.
They included Hollywood actresses Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet, who was heard telling Charles: “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”
Penny Lancaster, who is an ambassador for the foundation along with Beckham, was full of praise for His Majesty, saying: “He’s been an absolute pioneer and visionary.”
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