Royal Ascot isn’t just about the horses—it’s about fashion, tradition, and sometimes… battling the wind.
On the opening day of this year’s five-day festival, Queen Camilla found herself caught in a moment of stylish panic as a gust threatened to steal the show—and her hat.
Winds Stir Drama as Royals Arrive in Style
Queen Camilla and King Charles III, both dressed to the nines, led the iconic royal carriage procession to kick off the festivities at the Berkshire racecourse.
Riding with them were Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia and Lady Sarah Keswick, one of Camilla’s trusted companions.
It was a particularly special occasion—this year marks 200 years since the procession tradition began under King George IV.
But it wasn’t all regal waves and posed smiles.
According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, the Queen turned to Lady Sarah during their arrival and exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, if that wind blows any stronger, my hat will blow away!”
Should I Wave or Save My Hat?
Camilla reportedly considered giving a quick wave to the crowds but quickly realized she couldn’t risk losing her accessory.
“A quick wave and back to my hat, should I let go? I can’t,” she allegedly remarked, highlighting the balancing act between royal poise and high fashion.
Charles Cracks a Joke in the Carriage
King Charles, always quick with dry humor, was said to poke fun at his frequent carriage appearances, quipping, “This is the third time I’ve been in a carriage this week.
I mean, given that though, there’s lots of room.”
He was, of course, referring to recent events including Trooping the Colour.
When a particularly strong gust hit the carriage, Charles reportedly turned to Prince Faisal and asked, “Didn’t she get the control on it?”—a cheeky nod to his wife’s hat trouble.
Prince Faisal chuckled and joked, “Are you frightened that your hat will blow off?” to which Camilla replied, “This wind is causing a frenzy.”
Royal Guests and Family Members Join the Festivities
The royal box was packed with familiar faces. Peter Phillips, the King’s nephew, attended with his partner Harriet Sperling, who made her carriage procession debut.
Close behind in another coach were Princess Anne, Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot, and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.
Peter and Harriet followed in the next carriage.
Meanwhile, among the crowd, there were plenty of other royals spotted—including Princess Beatrice, her mother Sarah, Duchess of York, and Zara and Mike Tindall.
A Nod to the Queen’s Racing Legacy
While the event celebrated fashion and family, there was also a competitive edge.
Charles and Camilla have continued the late Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy at Royal Ascot by maintaining her beloved horse racing stable.
Though their horse Reaching High didn’t claim a win in the Ascot Stakes this time, the couple celebrated their first Royal Ascot victory in 2023 with Desert Hero.
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Royal Ascot Prize Money
One of the most anticipated races of the week is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes—first run in 1862 and named after Queen Victoria’s son, the future King Edward VII.
The race carries a jaw-dropping prize of £1 million and demands both speed and stamina.
Past champions include standouts like Auguste Rodin and dual winners Mtoto and Muhtarram.
Alongside this, Day 2 of Royal Ascot is packed with other top-tier contests including the Queen Mary Stakes, Queen’s Vase, Duke of Cambridge Stakes, and fan-favorite races like the Windsor Castle Stakes and Kensington Palace Stakes.
More Than Just Horses and Hats
Across the week, more than £10 million in prize money is up for grabs, with even the lowest-value race offering a generous £110,000.
Group 1 races, meanwhile, promise no less than £650,000 to their winners.
From windy hat mishaps to million-pound sprints, Royal Ascot remains one of the most iconic—and entertaining—fixtures on the royal and racing calendar.