Princess Anne's carriage broke down today, forcing a delay of the King's Ascot procession.
The Princess Royal accompanied her son Peter Phillips and his girlfriend Harriet Sperling at Royal Ascot today, marking a significant milestone for the couple.
Sperling made her debut in a royal carriage, having first appeared publicly with Phillips in May 2024.
A well-placed local source told GB News the second carriage in the royal procession carrying the Princess Royal “broke down”.
Princess Anne's carriage breaks down forcing delay of King's Ascot procession.
Getty / GB News
They added: “The Royal Grooms sprang into action to fix the harness, and after a delay of a few minutes, the carriage was back in action on its way to Ascot.”
As a result of the malfunction, the carriage procession was delayed by about five minutes.
The source added that the King stopped further up the hill to wait for his younger sister's carriage.
All of the school children were lined up to greet the royal procession prior to the delay.
The carriage procession was delayed for about five minutes.
GB News
The front horse of the carriage remained slightly angled when the vehicle got underway.
Peter Phillips and Sperling occupied the third carriage in the traditional procession, sharing their transport with author Anthony Horowitz and his wife.
Their appearance alongside the Princess Royal highlighted the continuing presence of younger generations at one of Britain's most celebrated sporting and social occasions.
The King and Queen led the ceremonial procession in the first carriage, accompanied by Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia's Royal Family and Lady Sarah Keswick, the Queen's closest companion.
Princess Anne seemed unfazed by the malfunction.
PA
Charles and Camilla maintained their customary position at the head of the four-carriage procession.
Princess Anne travelled in the second carriage with the Duke and Duchess of Wellington and Annabel Elliot, Queen Camilla's sister. The fourth and final carriage carried Henry Morton Jack and Lady Joanna Morton Jack, alongside Lord Vestey and Lady Vestey.
The formal procession maintained the event's reputation as a gathering of British society's most prominent figures.
Sophie also attended the races, though she did not participate in the formal carriage procession.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Princess Anne speaking to a racegoer at Ascot.
PA
Ascot represents a tradition spanning two centuries, as highlighted in an ITV4 programme that aired yesterday evening.
"The Royal Procession at Ascot: Celebrating 200 Years", presented by Alice Loxton, explored the enduring popularity and significance of this ceremonial opening.
The documentary featured first-hand accounts from those who have participated in the procession and included previously unseen footage of historic moments. It examined why this royal tradition continues to captivate audiences and remains an integral part of the Ascot experience after 200 years.
A highlight of the racing calendar, the centuries-old tradition officially marks the start of one of Britain's most celebrated sporting and social occasions.
Most Read
