The Remark Nobody Saw Coming
She's known for her warmth and quiet wit, but Queen Camilla outdid herself at Royal Ascot this week — and it only took three words. As the royal carriage sat stationary ahead of Tuesday's procession, King Charles leaned out to greet the waiting crowds, asking cheerfully: 'Have you been there for hours?' One spectator confirmed they had, calling it entirely worth it. Another admitted they'd softened the wait with a glass or two of wine. It was all the opening Camilla needed.
'That's the answer,' she quipped — and the crowd erupted in laughter.
The moment, captured by royal blogger Lauren Parkinson and shared widely online, wasn't broadcast on television, making it one of those rare, unscripted glimpses of the Queen in her element. Off-script and off-camera, she was — as her fans would put it — completely herself.
Nerves, Binoculars and a Royal Runner Gone Wrong
It wasn't all smooth sailing for the royal couple on day one, however. Sharp-eyed racegoers spotted Camilla briefly biting her nails during one of the afternoon's more gripping races — a reflex quickly abandoned in favour of her binoculars. It's the first time the habit has been noticed publicly, and given the circumstances, it's entirely forgivable.
The source of her anxiety? The King and Queen's own horse, Reaching High, went into the race as favourite — and disappointed as favourite. It was, by any measure, a rollercoaster afternoon for the couple, and even seasoned trackside tipsters found themselves caught out by the royal runner's performance.
A Full House in the Parade Ring
The royals turned out in force for the occasion. Princess Anne, Zara and Mike Tindall, and newlyweds Peter and Harriet Phillips all joined the King and Queen, with the NHS nurse making a radiant first appearance in the carriage procession wearing a Suzannah London dress and matching hat. She was warmly received by attendees, many of whom offered their congratulations in person.
Day two brought further reinforcements, with the Prince and Princess of Wales joining the royal party. The Princess of Wales drew admiring glances in a zesty yellow Roksanda ensemble — a rewear, though none the less striking for it — while the Prince of Wales matched the moment with a yellow buttonhole. Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie were also present in the parade ring, though not part of the carriage procession itself.
For those following all things royal this season, Ascot has already delivered more than its fair share of memorable moments — and the week is far from over.
