Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall and Sophie were all pictured at Royal Ascot today after being excluded from the official carriage list.
The Duchess of Edinburgh made an appearance at Royal Ascot this afternoon, though she was notably absent from the official carriage procession list.
Sophie, 60, was photographed at the prestigious racing event alongside other guests, including Rosie Collins, David Howden, Fiona Howden and Dominic Collins.
Meanwhile, Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike Tindall, were also pictured alongside Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at Royal Ascot today.
Beatrice, Zara and Sophie pictured at Royal Ascot after being excluded from carriage list.
Getty / PA
Their attendance came as the King and Queen led the traditional four-carriage procession that formally opened today's racing.
The ceremonial parade featured various members of the Royal Family and distinguished guests, but did not include the Duchess of Edinburgh, Zara or Beatrice among those travelling in the carriages.
Their presence highlights how Royal Family members often attend the races through alternative arrangements beyond the formal procession.
Charles and Camilla took their places in the lead carriage, accompanied by Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia's Royal Family and Lady Sarah Keswick, the Queen's closest companion.
The Duchess of Edinburgh looked beautiful for the occasion.
Getty
Their position at the front of the procession maintained the long-standing protocol for this centuries-old tradition.
The royal couple's participation marked their return to the event, officially opening what remains one of Britain's most celebrated sporting and social occasions.
The four-carriage procession featured a mix of royalty and prominent society figures, upholding Ascot's reputation as a gathering place for the nation's most distinguished individuals.
Princess Anne travelled in the second carriage with the Duke and Duchess of Wellington and Annabel Elliot, Queen Camilla's sister.
Zara and Mike Tindall posing at Royal Ascot.
PA
The Princess Royal's participation reinforced the strong royal presence at this year's meeting.
The third carriage carried Peter Phillips, Princess Anne's son, with his girlfriend Harriet Sperling. Author Anthony Horowitz and his wife joined them, bringing a literary element to the royal parade.
Henry Morton Jack and Lady Joanna Morton Jack occupied the fourth carriage alongside Lord Vestey and Lady Vestey, rounding out the formal procession.
The four-carriage parade maintained its traditional format whilst showcasing both Royal Family members and notable guests from British society.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi pictured at Ascot.
Getty
The broader royal attendance at the races demonstrates how various family members participate in the event beyond those in the official procession. Sophie's appearance underscores this pattern of informal attendance alongside the formal ceremonies.
The procession itself represents a tradition stretching back two centuries, as featured in last night's ITV4 documentary "The Royal Procession at Ascot: Celebrating 200 Years".
Presented by Alice Loxton, the programme explored the enduring appeal of this ceremonial opening through first-hand accounts from past participants and previously unseen footage.
The documentary examined why this royal tradition continues to enthral audiences and remains central to the Ascot experience after 200 years.
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