King Charles and actress Sophie Winkleman are seen enjoying royal box experience at Ascot racing festival
King Charles appeared in great spirits at day four of the Ascot racing festival as he was joined by actress Sophie Winkleman in the royal box.
The Monarch looked deep conversation with Ms Winkleman, the wife of Lord Frederick Windsor and half-sister of TV presenter Claudia, as they watched the excitement unfold on Thursday.
His Majesty sported a dapper grey morning suit, the same one he has worn for the three previous days, this time paired with a stylish pink waistcoat.
Lord Windsor, who is the son of Prince Michael of Kent and second cousin of King Charles, was also present alongside his wife, who donned a navy buttoned up blouse and matching hat, and Queen Camilla.
Despite the joyous atmosphere, the King and Queen's racing pot of gold failed to materialise once again as their horse Purple Rainbow was well beaten in the aptly named Sandringham Stakes race.
Charles and Camilla watched the fast-paced race from the royal box and were glued to monitors, with the King animated in the closing stages of the mile-long sprint.
He bobbed on the spot as if willing on his jockey Warren Fentiman, who was unfortunately unable to challenge the front runners.
The couple looked up in the closing stages to watch the race as it came past the stands but were left opened mouthed as Never Let Go crossed the line first.
Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, will have to wait another day to try to double their tally of Royal Ascot winners.
The King and Queen Camilla kicked off events earlier in the day after they were seen waving to racegoers as they arrived in a horse-drawn-landaus.
They were joined by Camilla's old school friend Lady Cavendish and her husband Lord Cavendish in their coach during the traditional carriage procession along the course in Berkshire.
Charles' nieces Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall were also seen beaming as they chatted with His Majesty.
Zara donned a chic baby blue pantsuit with a matching hat, while Princess Eugenie wore beige top coupled with a white hat and skirt.
The pair were in high spirits as they shared a warm embrace upon their arrival to the festival earlier today.
Princess Eugenie's mother, Sarah Ferguson, was also present at the prestigious event, wearing a polka dot black and white dress paired with a matching black hat.
Not to be outdone, Camilla oozed glamour in a white chiffon dress with embroidered flowers from Anna Valentine, paired with a feathered Philip Treacy hat.
Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank was also spotted in the parade ring alongside former defence secretary Ben Wallace when the royal procession arrived in the exclusive area.
The late Queen was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.
Charles and Camilla have taken on her stable of horses and enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when their horse Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes.
His Majesty's appearance today comes after Princess of Wales sparked concern as she pulled out of attending the festival on Wednesday, apparently at the last minute.
But royal sources insisted there was nothing to worry about and that it was simply a case of crossed wires.
Aides also stressed that Catherine was continuing to 'balance her return to public life' following her cancer diagnosis last year, after which she made clear that she would resume her duties with a slow and measured approach.
The mini-drama came as her husband, Prince William, handed out the prize for the Prince of Wales stakes at the racecourse in Berkshire.
Executives at Ascot had expected the princess to join him, travelling down in the carriage procession from Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Zara appeared in good spirits as she attended the occasion alongside her royal relatives
At 12pm they issued the procession list for the day, featuring the Prince and Princess of Wales in the second carriage after the King and Queen.
But 22 minutes later, guidance was issued which said Catherine would not be attending. It is understood an 'inaccurate version' of the list was 'issued in error'.
An updated list was circulated and Lord Soames – a good friend of the King – lost his seat to make way for William in the first carriage with Charles and Camilla. They were also joined by Saudi's Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.
Sources stressed there was 'no cause for alarm' and Catherine was following guidance palace aides have always given: that she would 'balance her return to public duties', following appearances at Trooping the Colour on Saturday and Monday's Order of the Garter service.
They added that she was 'disappointed' not to attend but 'has to find the right balance'.
Catherine, 43, had abdominal surgery last January, after which she was told cancer had been present, forcing her to undergo preventive chemotherapy.
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