King Charles and Queen Camilla kicked off Royal Ascot 2026 in style on Tuesday, eliciting cheers from the crowds as they arrived in the parade ring via horse-drawn carriage, followed by a swathe of other royals including newlywed Harriet Phillips. In a moment not seen on television, Her Majesty made crowds laugh with her witty remark.
Their royal carriage was stationary ahead of the procession, and King Charles asked the onlookers, “Have you been there for hours?” to which someone replied: “Yes, and it was worth it,” clearly referring to the rare chance to meet royalty up close. Another added: “We have plenty of wine, though,” and with that, Camilla piped up to say: “That’s the answer,” and the crowd chuckled at her remark. The moment was shared by Lauren Parkinson, a blogger and royal enthusiast.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesQueen Camilla and King Charles III on day one of Royal Ascot 2026
In another moment on day one, Camilla was captured on camera biting her nails during one of the gripping races. It was a brief moment, and she quickly resumed using her binoculars to view the horses instead. It’s the first time Her Majesty has been clocked with this habit, so perhaps it was just the tense race that brought on the reflex. After all, it was a rollercoaster day for the royal couple whose horse, Reaching High, went from favourite to win to finishing last! Reporting from the ground on Tuesday, I fell for a trackside tip to back the royal runner, though my wager ultimately fell flat.
© Getty ImagesKing Charles III and Queen Camilla watch the racing with tense looks on their faces
Royal Ascot day one
King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by Princess Anne, Mike and Zara Tindall and newlyweds Peter and Harriet Phillips. The NHS nurse made a radiant debut appearance in the second carriage wearing a Suzannah London dress and matching hat, receiving warm congratulations from attendees in the parade ring.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesNewlyweds Harriet and Peter Phillips were at Day 1 of Ascot
Royal Ascot day two
© Getty Images for Ascot RacecoursWilliam, Prince of Wales and Kate, Princess of Wales during the Royal Procession on Day Two during Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)
Fans were delighted to have the Prince and Princess of Wales join the King and Queen for day two’s action. The mother-of-three wowed in an attention-grabbing zesty yellow outfit by Roksanda, which she has worn before. William had a sweet buttonhole of yellow flowers to ensure they co-ordinated perfectly. Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie were also present in the parade ring, although not featuring in the carriage procession.