Latest news with #Berkshire
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Charles and Camilla hoping runner will win at Royal Ascot
The King and Queen will be hoping to double their tally of Royal Ascot winners when their horse takes to the turf in a sprint race. Charles and Camilla have seen their racing hopes dashed twice this week when their much fancied thoroughbreds were well beaten. But Purple Rainbow will be running in the aptly named Sandringham Stakes over a mile and could add to the couple's first Royal Ascot winner in 2023. Racegoers have been given a respite for the moment from this week's sweltering conditions, with hazy cloud over the Berkshire race course keeping temperatures below Thursday's record highs. Will Aitkenhead, head of corporate and industry affairs at the track, said: 'Whilst there are no plans to ease the dress code at this stage, we are conscious of rising temperatures through the day and will monitor the situation. We will be handing out bottled water to guests on arrival and have worked hard overnight to provide more shaded areas.' The King and Queen 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. Among the guests travelling in the carriages were the former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad, the Queen's Companion the Marchioness of Lansdowne and musical maestro Lord Lloyd-Webber. Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank and mother Sarah, Duchess of York were spotted in the parade ring alongside former defence secretary Ben Wallace and Zara Tindall 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.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
JK Rowling makes rare public appearance at Ascot with doctor husband Neil Murray
JK Rowling and her husband made a rare public appearance today at Royal Ascot. The author, 59, and doctor Neil Murray, were pictured dressed to the nines as they sat in the stands on the fourth day of the prestigious racing event in Berkshire. It's rare for Rowling alone to be seen out in public, but it's even uncommon for her to be joined by Neil, who she has been married to for 23 years. She donned a pale blue dress paired with an extravagant floral fascinator in the same shade and big black sunglasses. Neil sported a black suit and top hat with a pale green waistcoat and a pair of shades. Today at the event, known as the crown jewel of the racing calendar, stylish racegoers put their best foot forward as they braved the sweltering 28C heat. A sea of flamboyant hats and gowns dominated the landscape at the races as revellers prepared for nail-biting action. Racegoers could be seen enjoying a glass of bubbly in the summer sun, as they donned their grandiose and vibrant hats. Royal Ascot was awash with eye-catching hats, vibrant gowns and matching ensembles as glamorous revellers kicked off the weekend early It wasn't long before they started popping open lavish bottles of bubbly and sipping on glasses of champagne and prosecco while soaking in the view of the racecourse Elsewhere eager revellers watched as the jockeys and horses geared up to go head on in several races including the Coronation Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup. Celebrities and royalty alike sat patiently as King Charles III and Queen Camilla kicked off the day arriving in a horse-drawn-landaus. The King and Queen 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. Among the guests travelling in the carriages were the former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad, the Queen's Companion the Marchioness of Lansdowne and musical maestro Lord Lloyd-Webber. Princess Eugene and Zara Tindall were 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. 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. And while many continued to enjoy the sunshine, the sportsmen and horses geared up as they went head to head in a bid to emerge victorious in their respective races. Time for Sandals bagged the number one position in the Commonwealth Cup, winning the prize for Harry Eustace. Princess Eugenie and her mother Sarah Ferguson share a giggle at Ascot Cosy cousins! Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall affectionately greeted one another upon their arrival at Royal Ascot Zara Tindall performs a curtsy as she greets King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Berkshire event Sarah Ferguson arrives in a polka dot dress on the fourth day of the Royal Ascot today JK Rowling attends the fourth day of the Royal Ascot today as jockeys and horses battle is out for the Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes King Charles III and Queen Camilla kicked off the fourth day arriving in a horse-drawn-landaus King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 20 Venetian Sun ridden by Clifford Lee on their way to winning the Albany Stakes on day four of Royal Ascot Venetian Sun bagged the victory despite Signora being tipped as a favourite to win Time For Sandals ridden by Richard Kingscote won the Commonwealth Cup on day four Richard Kingscote told ITV: 'Since Sir Michael retired it's always been a case of building back up and I was delighted to get such a good ride' Richard Kingscote told ITV: 'Since Sir Michael retired it's always been a case of building back up and I was delighted to get such a good ride. 'She done a spectacular piece of work. Delighted for Harry, he's such a good guy. I'm delighted.' Elsewhere Venetian Sun, ridden, by Clifford Lee, raced away with a win during the Albany Stalkes race. Signora, backed by jockey Ryan Moore, was previously tipped as the favourite to win the race but failed to emerge victorious at 15-8 odds. Winning jockey Lee told ITV: 'When she ran the first time at Carlisle she did it very nicely. 'She was very babyish, wasn't quite switched on, but after that first run she's come on by maybe 20 lbs. We knew at home that we had a very good filly. 'Fingers crossed for the rest of the day. It's not easy – you come here thinking you have a great chance but there are 20 others like that.' Yesterday, some attendees looked rather worse for wear after leaving the venue after Ladies Day on the hottest day of the year so far.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Kate breaks her silence after pulling out of Royal Ascot - as she issues poignant statement about a cause close to her heart
The Princess of Wales has released a personal message about a cause close to her heart after pulling out of Royal Ascot earlier this week. Kate, 43, today issued a heartfelt note to mark Children's Hospice Week after deciding not to join her husband Prince William at the Berkshire races as expected on Wednesday. She was said to be 'disappointed' at not attending the famous social and sporting occasion with her husband Prince William and the King and Queen. Today, the Princess released a personal message celebrating the life-changing work children's hospices do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times. The princess has been Royal Patron of East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH) since 2012, and in January this year became the Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales. The highly emotional note, which was signed by the princess, was shared on social media by Tŷ Hafan and children's hospice charity Together for Short Lives, the charity for children's palliative care. Kate said: 'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. 'Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated. 'Being able to access the support of one of the UK's 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone.' The mother-of-three had visited the hospice in January - marking her first royal 'away day' since 2023 as part of her slow and steady return to royal duties following her treatment for cancer. Reflecting on her own work with children, she added: 'As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices. 'Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond. 'This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.' Earlier this week, the Princess of Wales pulled out of attending Royal Ascot at the last minute as she continues to 'find the right balance' following her battle with cancer. Racegoers had been hoping to see the Princess after the Prince of Wales was named as one of the figures awarding race prizes during the second day of the meet. Ascot officials had confirmed at 12pm that the Princess was due to be in the second carriage in the royal procession with William, in a published carriage list. But less than half an hour later, Kensington Palace confirmed just before 12.30pm that Kate would not be attending - and a revised carriage list was published by Ascot. MailOnline understands the Princess was 'disappointed' not to be in attendance 'but she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements'. However, Kate's mother Carole Middleton did attend Ascot, wearing a dress from luxury women's designer ME+EM - alongside her daughter-in-law Alizee Thevenet, the wife of Kate's brother James Middleton. The 43-year-old Princess has been making a gradual return to public duties since it was announced in January that she was in remission from cancer. But in the past week she has attended three high-profile events - Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London. The Princess revealed in January she was in remission from cancer after making an emotional return to the specialist cancer institution, the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, London, where she was treated to comfort fellow patients. She had been receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer since late February last year with the King beginning his cancer care earlier that month following his diagnosis after treatment for an enlarged prostate. Announcing in September her treatment had ended, Kate described in an emotional video message how the previous nine months had been 'incredibly tough for us as a family' and 'doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus'. William later said in a separate interview how 2024 had been 'brutal'. In January, Kate 'proudly' announced her new patronage on a visit to south Wales. Arriving at children's hospice Tŷ Hafan. Catherine, 43, donned a checked dress from Zara with pussybow detailing and wore her hair in loose waves hanging down her shoulders, before being greeted by a member of staff. It wasn't long before the princess got stuck in to the visit, as she made a beeline for adorable children who visit the hospice who were using the soft play area. She took part in a musical session with children suffering from life-limiting conditions and even had her hand painted red to leave a permanent memory of her visit - just as King Charles had done years previously. Speaking to a young girl, she asked: 'What do you like doing when you're here?' before she replied to explain she enjoyed music. Kate then asked: 'Have you played any of the instruments?' and picked up a rattle before giving it a little shake. The little girl erupted in giggles and went on to demonstrate her percussion playing on a xylophone. She was overheard discussing 'challenging' times for families as she spoke with parents whose children have received care from the hospice. A source told the Mail at the time: 'When she became the Princess of Wales she and her husband vowed to celebrate and service the dynamic nation that Wales is today. 'I think the Princess choosing a visit to Wales for her second solo engagement of 2025 signals the importance that she places on Wales and the love that she has for the nation and its people.' Tŷ Hafan was the first children's hospice in Wales when it opened in 1999 and provides free care and support both within the hospice itself and in homes and communities. The charity's ambition is that no family should have to experience their child's short life alone, with staff 'walking alongside' every family who needs their support - through life, death and beyond. Holistic care, something that interests Catherine hugely, is a huge part of its ethos, focusing on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the children in its care. Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan – which translates from Welsh to 'Haven House' in English – said: 'We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become Patron of Tŷ Hafan and it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our hospice for the first time today. 'No parent ever imagines that their child's life will be short. Sadly this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can't stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child's short life alone.' The wellbeing of children and their families has always been close to The Princess' heart, a palace aide said. The first patronage Her Royal Highness took on when she became a Member of The Royal Family was EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospice) and she maintains a close relationship with the organisation to this day. The Princess is looking forward to building a similar relationship with Tŷ Hafan and the children and families it serves in Wales, they added. As Prince of Wales, King Charles was patron of Tŷ Hafan from 2001. The position was previously held by Diana, Princess of Wales while the charity was in its fundraising stage. Commenting on her patronage on the Kensington Palace X/Twitter account, the Princess said: 'A proud moment becoming Patron of Tŷ Hafan. 'Opening in 1999 as Wales' first children's hospice, Tŷ Hafan continues to provide specialist care to children with life-shortening conditions, offering vital support to them and their families, throughout life, at end of life, and beyond.'
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Moment Royal Ascot racegoers hurl punches in vicious brawl in front of shocked punters
THIS is the shocking moment a brawl broke out between two men at Royal Ascot with punches and kicks flying in front of horrified onlookers. Two men were filmed as they violently fought at the prestigious Berkshire racecourse. 2 2 They can be seen repeatedly hitting one another in the head as a crowd watches from a distance. The men then begin to push each other, before one is knocked to the ground hitting the concrete floor head-first. Several onlookers try to intervene but fail to break the fight apart before one of them hits the ground. Both men can be seen wearing well-tailored suits, as their behaviour seems out of place at the famous event.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
A royally good day out! Princess Eugenie and an affectionate King Charles lead the glamorous royals having fun in the sun at Ascot
Zara Tindall and Princess Eugenie led the glamorous royals turning out in force for the fourth day of Royal Ascot on Friday. The cousins looked delighted to see one another as they shared a warm embrace after arriving at the Berkshire racecourse for the prestigious five-day festival. Zara, 44, the daughter of Princess Anne, looked effortlessly elegant in a light blue suit teamed with a matching blouse and a statement hat featuring an eye-catching white bow. Eugenie, 35, appeared equally chic in a stylish wide-brimmed hat and flattering dress featuring a billowing white skirt and a square-shouldered brown top. The daughter of Prince Andrew was joined at the racing meet by her mother, Sarah Ferguson, who opted for a trendy monochrome polka dot frock. King Charles, 76, arrived at Ascot alongside Queen Camilla, 77, after the pair travelled past packed stands on the racecourse as part of the traditional carriage procession. The royal procession is celebrating its 200th anniversary, a tradition which began during the reign of George IV in 1825 when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. 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. 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. At the beginning of this year she revealed she was in remission and would begin a slow and measured return to royal life. While Catherine was not present at Ascot, Charles and Camilla were there for the second day running and plan to attend all week. Her Majesty wore an emerald crepe silk dress by Anna Valentine, with a matching hat by Philip Treacy and an emerald and diamond drop brooch which belonged to Queen Elizabeth. The Princess of Wales's mother Carole Middleton also attended, alongside her daughter-in-law Alizee Thevenet, the wife of Kate's brother James Middleton. The King hosted Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of his late aunt Princess Margaret and a favourite of the late Queen. She was joined on the fourth carriage by her artist husband Daniel Chatto. Also in the procession were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who sat in the second carriage. The royal procession is celebrating its 200th anniversary, a tradition begun in 1825 when George IV was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. The King and his wife have continued Queen Elizabeth's close association with the Berkshire race meet, but they had no luck when their horse Reaching High was beaten in the Ascot Stakes. The late Queen was a passionate owner of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.
