Royal Ascot | The Royal Family

One of Britain's most well-known racecourses, Ascot holds a special week of races in June each year called Royal Ascot, attended by The King and Queen, who has had an interest in horses since childhood. This week has become Britain's most popular race meeting, welcoming around 300,000 visitors over five days, all dressed up in their finest clothes and hats.

What do The King and Queen do at Ascot?

Each day of the week begins with the Royal Procession, when The King, The Queen and accompanying Members of the Royal Family arrive along the track in horse-drawn landaus. They then spend the day watching the races from the Royal Enclosure.

In 2006, Queen Elizabeth II opened the redeveloped Ascot Racecourse by thanking all who had been involved.

Thanks to their hard work, we can look forward to many years of racing in a world class environment

Queen Elizabeth II

In 2021, The Queen, as The Duchess of Cornwall, sat down with Oli Bell to discuss the passion for horse racing throughout the Royal Family, and her hope for it to continue with the next generation.

Why are The King and Queen involved at Ascot?

Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, and has since received the support of a further twelve monarchs. The Ascot summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911.

The King and Queen are owner and breeder of many thoroughbred horses and share an interest in horses with many members of the family.

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and The King (as The Prince of Wales) attend Royal Ascot.

The names of the week's races have a Royal theme, such as 'King George V Stakes', 'Diamond Jubilee Stakes' and 'Windsor Castle Stakes'.

You can find out more about Ascot and how to attend on the Ascot website.