Queen Camilla has left Balmoral Castle, just days after arriving, to make an appearance at the second day of the Ebor Festival in York.
The 78-year-old royal unveiled a plaque at York Racecourse in recognition of the Juddmonte International being named the World’s Best Race of 2024 by the Longines World Racing Awards.
A long-time racing enthusiast and patron of the course since June last year, Camilla looked elegant in a pale blue coat paired with a wide-brimmed cream hat decorated with a bow.
She later removed the coat to reveal a white, blue and red floral dress with puff sleeves and a pleated skirt.
Queen Camilla leaves Balmoral Castle just days after arriving as Her Majesty pictured in York
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Her look was completed with a four-strand pearl and diamond necklace, pearl earrings, and a mix of delicate gold and silver bracelets. She carried a beige woven Bottega Veneta handbag, which matched her suede kitten heels.
On arrival, Camilla was welcomed by Chris Legard, Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Bridget Guerin, Chairman of the York Race Committee, and William Derby, Chief Executive of York Racecourse.
She also greeted York’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM, with a smile before taking the salute from the RAF Falcons display team.
Later in the day, the Queen unveiled the commemorative plaque and is due to present the Yorkshire Oaks trophy to the winning connections. She also spent time with racegoers and met representatives of local charities supported by the course.
Queen Camilla looked beautiful in a floral dress
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Camilla has been closely linked with York Racecourse for several years. Last year, she cut the ribbon on the newly refurbished Bustardthorpe Stand, originally built in 1913, and was given a tour of the grounds before settling into the royal box with binoculars in hand.
Her passion for horses is well known, echoing the late Queen Elizabeth II. Reports have suggested she has assumed responsibility for the late Queen’s stables, while King Charles focuses on other royal duties.
As Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla was a long-time supporter of equestrian charities including the Ebony Horse Club, the British Equestrian Federation and the Brooke Hospital for Animals.
In 2013, she joined Queen Elizabeth on a visit to the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, south London, which gives local children the opportunity to ride horses in an urban setting.
Queen Camilla unveiled a plaque at the racecourse
|PA
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Camilla is currently based at Balmoral Castle with King Charles, where the family traditionally gather each summer. On Sunday, she was seen accompanying the King to church, waving to well-wishers as Charles drove them to the service.
Earlier this week, she enjoyed a relaxed shopping trip in the village of Ballater with her daughter, Laura Lopes and granddaughter Eliza.
Camilla wore a floral midi dress with a jade cardigan and wedges, while Mrs Lopes opted for a denim jacket and wide-leg trousers, and Eliza chose jeans with a cropped T-shirt.
Last Friday, both the King and Queen were visibly moved at a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. They were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and listened to emotional testimonies from VJ Day veterans in a powerful tribute.