The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, attended the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday.
The event is a major occasion in the National Hunt racing calendar and is a regular feature in the royal calendar.
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh
Prince Edward
The royal couple’s main reason for being there was to support the occasion as an official royal engagement, adding importance to one of the UK’s premier horse racing days.
Their attendance highlights the Royal Family’s connection and support for equestrian sports.
A key part of their role for the day involved the Duchess of Edinburgh presenting the most important prize.
Prince Edward
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, presenting the trophy to Bryan Drew, the winning owner of the Coral Gold Cup
After the main event, the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase, Duchess Sophie stepped forward to give the coveted trophy to the owner of the winning horse, Bryan Drew, and jockey Tristan Durrell.
The visit was also notable as it was one of the couple’s first joint appearances back in the UK after busy schedules abroad.
Duchess Sophie had just returned from a nine-day solo trip across South and Central America, and Prince Edward had recently completed a visit to Ghana.
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, presenting the trophy to Bryan Drew, the winning owner of the Coral Gold Cup
Their presence at Newbury was a smooth return to their duties at home.
They were seen smiling and relaxed, enjoying the atmosphere and chatting with people involved in the racing world, fulfilling their important function of supporting national events and connecting with the British public.