Queen Camilla has said that Royal Ascot highlights the “best of Britain” during a rare candid interview this afternoon.
The Queen went all white for Ladies’ Day, as she wore a smart blazer over a crisp white top with a wide-brimmed hat.
The Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were also present for the festivities.
Princess Anne attended alongside her daughter Zara Tindall, adding to the distinguished gathering.
Following another spectacular day of horse racing, the Queen gave a rare and frank interview with ITV, in which she professed her “love” for the world-famous Berkshire show.
“Well it’s the best of British really, isn’t it?” she said.
Queen Camilla has said that Royal Ascot highlights the ‘best of Britain’ during a rare candid interview this afternoon
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PA
“I mean, it doesn’t matter whether you love horses, don’t know much about horses, you come here for a really good day to experience a bit of fun, the best racing in the world, the best horses, the elegant women.
“And I think, the world we live in, it’s wonderful just to get away and enjoy yourself and that’s what Ascot does.
“You get the pageantry and the procession – I love it, it’s five days of pleasure.”
The King and Queen have struggled for any luck with their thoroughbreds this year, however.
The Queen went all white for Ladies’ Day, as she wore a smart blazer over a crisp white top with a wide-brimmed hat
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REUTERS
On day one, their horse, Reaching High, finished well off the pace and was beaten by a rank outsider, Kizlyar, at 25-1.
And today, the King and Queen’s long shot horse, Golden Orbit, comfortably lost in the Ribblesdale Stakes.
When offered good luck for her remaining horses, Camilla responded: “Oh goodness me we need that, a long shot today, but maybe tomorrow, you can but hope.”
The couple, who inherited the late Queen Elizabeth II’s racing stable, have developed a genuine passion for the sport since taking on her horses.
The King and Queen have struggled for any luck with their thoroughbreds this year
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PA
Despite their woes on the racecourse, spirits were far from dampened off it, as the Berkshire sun intensely beamed on guest, who did not disappoint, showcasing an extraordinary array of headwear.
Australian milliner Angela Menz travelled from Melbourne sporting a bouquet-shaped creation fashioned entirely from coloured pipe cleaners.
“My inspiration was to take something ordinary and make something special from it because in millinery the materials can be really expensive,” Ms Menz explained.
Royal Ascot – and, in particular, Ladies’ Day – holds a treasured place in the summer calendar for the monarch and his consort.
The prestigious racing week commenced on Tuesday with the Queen Anne Stakes and continues until Saturday.
Their Majesties have so far attended every day.