The King and Queen have marked their return to Royal Ascot, leading the traditional carriage procession at the prestigious racing event.
Charles and Camilla travelled in the first carriage, accompanied by Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud from Saudi Arabia's Royal Family and Lady Sarah Keswick, who serves as the Queen's closest companion.
The royal couple took their customary position at the head of the four-carriage procession, maintaining the centuries-old tradition that remains a highlight of the racing calendar.
Their appearance signals the official start of one of Britain's most celebrated sporting and social occasions.
King Charles and Queen Camilla lead Royal Family on first day of Ascot.
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The second carriage carried Princess Anne alongside the Duke and Duchess of Wellington and Annabel Elliot, who is Queen Camilla's sister.
The Princess Royal's presence continued the strong royal representation at this year's event.
Peter Phillips, Princess Anne's son, occupied the third carriage with his girlfriend Harriet Sperling. They were joined by the author Anthony Horowitz and his wife, adding a literary presence to the royal procession.
The traditional four-carriage procession showcased both Royal Family members and distinguished guests, maintaining the event's reputation as a gathering of British society's most prominent figures.
Queen Camilla sat in the first carriage at Royal Ascot.
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The fourth carriage contained Henry Morton Jack and Lady Joanna Morton Jack, along with Lord Vestey and Lady Vestey, completing the formal procession.
Despite not appearing on the official carriage list, the Duchess of Edinburgh attended the event.
The 60-year-old royal was spotted at the racecourse, where she was photographed alongside Rosie Collins, David Howden, Fiona Howden, and Dominic Collins.
Her presence at Royal Ascot demonstrates the broader royal attendance beyond those participating in the formal carriage procession, with various family members choosing to attend the races through different arrangements.
Princess Anne sat in the second carriage at Ascot.
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The Duchess of Edinburgh also attended despite not being on the carriage list.
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The royal procession at Ascot represents a tradition spanning two centuries, as highlighted in a recent ITV4 programme that aired yesterday evening.
The documentary, titled "The Royal Procession at Ascot: Celebrating 200 Years", explored the enduring popularity and significance of this ceremonial opening to the racing meeting.
Presented by Alice Loxton, the programme featured first-hand accounts from those who have participated in the procession and included previously unseen footage of historic moments.
The documentary examined why this royal tradition continues to captivate audiences and remains an integral part of the Ascot experience after 200 years.
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