Charles plans to attend Royal Ascot as he tells aides: ‘I want to honour the late Queen’s memory’

It is one of the highlights of the social calendar and the most prestigious horse racing festival in the country.

Now the king has told courtiers he wants to honor the memory of his late mother by attending Royal Ascot this summer.

The five-day meeting, held in June, was such a favorite of the late Queen that she missed only one Ascot during her 70-year reign. In 2022, the year of her death, she watched ten of her horses compete on TV at Windsor Castle.

It is believed that the king, who has undergone cancer treatment, is keen to get back into action – and aides are so happy with his progress that they plan for him to attend the event.

Charles – who was diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer in February – was expected to miss the program due to his grueling treatment. But he has made it clear to courtiers that he is determined to look after his horses, many of which were bred by the late queen.

The five-day meeting, held in June, was such a favorite of the late Queen that she missed only one Ascot during her 70-year reign. In the photo: the King and Queen Camilla on day five last year

It is believed that the king, who has undergone cancer treatment, is keen to get back into action – and aides are so happy with his progress that they plan for him to attend the event. Pictured: King and Queen Camilla on day three of Ascot last year

A racing source said: ‘Racing is an important part of the legacy he inherited from his mother and one he cherishes. That’s why he’ll be so eager to go.’

Insiders predicted the king’s presence would give a big boost to ticket sales, with the public clamoring to see him in the royal box – and in an open-topped carriage.

It is understood he could also attend Trooping the Colour, three days before Ascot starts.

Charles, 75, plans to spend ‘at least’ one day at the racing festival and will host a lunch for a select ‘bubble’ of friends and family.

Those closest to Charles see Royal Ascot – and Trooping the Color – as the perfect events for him to reconnect with audiences.

A new protocol requires him to see members of the public in the open, allowing him to remain safe from contracting airborne diseases while leaving him vulnerable to treatment.

The open-top carriage rides carried out by Royals at Ascot are the perfect way to be seen, while the glass-fronted Royal Box will help Charles resist the temptation to shake hands with well-wishers, which he did out of habit when he visited Windsor Castle left. after a service on Easter Sunday.

King Charles appeared emotional as he won after their horse Desert Hero won the race on Ladies Day on day three of Royal Ascot last year

King Charles and Queen Camilla were all smiles as they arrived at Royal Ascot on June 22, 2023

Charles strokes Desert Hero who won The King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot last year

Zara and Mike Tindall led the royal family’s Ladies Day arrivals at Royal Ascot in 2023

A photo exhibition curated by royal photographer Chris Jackson was at Royal Ascot in 2023 to mark the late Queen’s close association with the event and a lifelong interest in horses

King Charles III (dressed in his Welsh Guards uniform) watches an RAF flyover from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Color on June 17, 2023 in London

King Charles III and Queen Camilla (Colonel of the Grenadier Guards) watch an RAF parade from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Color last year

Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla view horses in the Parade Ring ahead at Royal Ascot in 2013

A source said: ‘Ascot is the perfect event for his current ‘bubble’ style distance preferences – there will be plenty of fresh air and plenty of chances to be seen by Royal fans who will be desperate for a glimpse. I bet he will be there on Tuesday, the day of King Charles III’s deployment.’

Last year the five-furlong King Charles III Stakes was named in honor of the monarch’s first week of racing since he took the throne.

He was present all five days and was rewarded when Desert Hero, an 18-1 shot bred by his mother, won the King George V Stakes. The king was visibly moved and Camilla was seen wiping away a tear. Zara Tindall, the king’s niece, said it was a “bittersweet” moment.

Last night Johnno Spence, CEO of horse racing company JSC Comms, said: ‘This is welcome news for racegoers as it means he is on the mend and the King and Queen are a vital part of Royal Ascot and horse racing in general. ‘

‘Many people buy tickets to Royal Ascot just to watch the royal carriage procession, and the prospect of seeing the King and Queen up close is a huge selling point. I expect ticket sales to increase considerably now.

“Charles has shown dedication to racing since he became King and I am sure he will run some great horses. The Ascot executives will be absolutely delighted to see him there and cheer them on.”