The five-day social event of the royal calendar has kicked off: The Royal Ascot 2026 is here! From June 16 until June 20, royals and racing lovers alike will descend on the historic Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England.
For the royal family, Royal Ascot follows some of the largest public-facing events of the year, including Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter.
Horses, horse riding, and husbandry have long been of interest to the British Royal Family. The annual event was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. In 1911, the Ascot summer race meeting became a dedicated week to royal racing.
Among the attendees at the 2026 Royal Ascot were Bridgerton star Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte in the hit series) and Dame Mary Berry, an iconic home baker, food writer and media personality.
ASCOT, ENGLAND – JUNE 16: (L to R) Golda Rosheuvel, Dame Mary Berry and guest attend Day 1 of Royal Ascot at Ascot, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on June 16, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Royal Ascot)
Beyond the celebrities who often also make appearances, royalists are mostly looking out for royals! Last year, Princess Catherine was meant to make her debut since her cancer diagnosis, but cancelled at the last minute. As she has entered remission and has returned to public affairs (including a solo royal trip to Italy this year), we can expect to see her in the stands.
However, we may not see long-time attendee of the event, Sarah Ferguson. Last year, she attended with both of her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, on various days. However, the former Duchess of York has lost her titles following her association with Jeffrey Epstein. Chances are, she’s eshew the public-facing event this year.
Continue reading to find out which royals attended the 2026 Royal Ascot.
ASCOT, ENGLAND – JUNE 16: King Charles III and Queen Camilla smile and wave as they attend day one of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Day One
As expected King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the royals on the the Royal Ascot 2026.
The King and Queen seemed to have a wonderful time in the Royal Box with their friends and family members and were spotted laughing with one another as they watched the races.
(Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Queen Camilla wore a stunning Anna Valentine light blue dress coat embroidered with flowers, which she accessorised with a matching Philip Treacy hat, Chanel pumps and a bone white purse.
Her son, Tom Parker Bowles and daughter, Laura Lopes, from her first marriage, also joined the royals in the box to watch the races.
ASCOT, ENGLAND – JUNE 16: Tom Parker Bowles and Queen Camilla attend day one of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
ASCOT, ENGLAND – JUNE 16: Princess Anne, Princess Royal on day one of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal
Day One:
Not a stranger to a bold outfit choice, the Princess Royal wore this colourful dress coat with a swirling design. She accessorised with a matching hat with flowers of similar hues, pearl drop earrings and, for those who look closely, a gold horse brooch! It’s a piece she wears to many of her equestrian events as an avid horse-lover (and former Olympian).
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall attend day one of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Day One:
The loved-up couple were full of smiles as they posed for photos on the first day of Royal Ascot 2026. Zara, like her mother, is also an Olympian and rarely, if ever, misses the event.
On day one, Zara chose a dress from one of her favourite designers, Australia’s Rebecca Vallance. She paired the lilac dress with an Anya Hindmarch clutch (another favourite of the royals), rose pink pumps, and a pink boater.
Peter Phillips and Harriet Phillips attend day one of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Peter and Harriet Phillips
Day One:
The newlyweds are here! Last year, she was Harriet Sperling, and in 2026, Harriet joined Peter as his new wife! The couple married a mere ten days ago, but honeymoons must wait until after this prestigious event. He couldn’t miss the Royal Ascot when his mum and sister are entrenched in the horse world!
Harriest wore a duck egg blue Suzannah London dress with a blue clutch by Anya Hindmarch with Jimmy Choo pumps, which somehow didn’t sink into the sod!
ASCOT, ENGLAND – JUNE 16: Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester attend day one of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2026 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
Day One:
Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester and his wife, Brigitte, also attended the first day of the Royal Ascot. Richard is the first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and he and his wife Brigitte are working royals who often attend events to represent the family.
On the first day of the Royal Ascot 2026, Brigitte donned a light teal dress coat with a classic string of pearls and a refined summer hat.
