The Jockey Club has confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be present at Epsom Downs for the Betfred Derby on Saturday, June 6.
Their Majesties serve as joint Patrons of The Jockey Club, the organisation responsible for operating the Surrey racecourse.
The royal visit falls on the same day as Peter Phillips's wedding to Harriet Sperling, a private ceremony at All Saints Church, Kemble, in Cirencester.
Mr Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, is the King's nephew.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to continue the royal Derby tradition
|GETTY
Queen Elizabeth II was a regular at the Derby, but no members of the Royal Family attended last year.
The prestigious flat race will be staged for the 247th occasion next weekend, having first been run in 1780.
The King and Queen assumed their roles as joint Patrons of The Jockey Club in May 2024, taking over from Queen Elizabeth II, who held the position for 68 years until her passing in September 2022.
Both monarchs also hold Honorary Membership of the organisation.
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling are tying the knot on June 6, 2026
|GETTY
Their attendance continues a deeply rooted tradition of royal presence at the historic race.
The late Queen demonstrated remarkable dedication to Derby Day, missing the event only twice between her accession and the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 1956, a state visit to Sweden kept her away, whilst in 1984 she attended D-Day commemorations in France, marking the 40th anniversary of the landings.
Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: "We are honoured and thrilled that The King and Queen will be joining us at Epsom Downs on Derby Day."
Sir Michael Oswald (National Hunt Racing Adviser to Queen Elizabeth II) and Queen Elizabeth II at Derby Day at Epsom Racecourse on June 4, 2016
|GETTY
He added: "Their Majesties show great enthusiasm, interest and support for horseracing in the UK and their attendance next week will be a proud moment for all of the team here and everyone connected with the racecourse."
Mr Allen described the Derby as one of Britain's most celebrated occasions, providing entertainment to millions worldwide.
"Royal attendance has been synonymous with the meeting for generations," he said. "We are delighted that Their Majesties will be continuing this tradition next week."
The Betfred Derby ranks among the joint richest races in Britain, offering £2million in prize money this year.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Epsom Derby in 2024
|GETTY
It forms part of the five Classic races held annually in the UK, alongside the 2000 Guineas, 1000 Guineas, Oaks and St Leger.
Queen Elizabeth II secured victories in every British Classic except the Derby, coming nearest with Aureole's second-place finish behind Pinza during her Coronation year of 1953.
King Edward VII remains the sole reigning British monarch to own a Derby winner, when Minoru claimed victory in 1909.
He had previously won the race twice as Prince of Wales with Persimmon in 1896 and Diamond Jubilee in 1900.