King Charles appeared in great spirits at day four of the Ascot racing festival as he was joined by actress Sophie Winkleman in the royal box.
The Monarch looked deep conversation with Ms Winkleman, the wife of Lord Frederick Windsor and half-sister of TV presenter Claudia, as they watched the excitement unfold on Thursday.
His Majesty sported a dapper grey morning suit, the same one he has worn for the three previous days, this time paired with a stylish pink waistcoat.
Lord Windsor, who is the son of Prince Michael of Kent and second cousin of King Charles, was also present alongside his wife, who donned a navy buttoned up blouse and matching hat, and Queen Camilla.
The Royals were not the only ones turning heads however, as they were joined at the racecourse by a host of celebrities.
Theatre royalty Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber was also spotted in the royal box after making an elegant arrival in a horse-drawn-landaus with his wife Baroness Lloyd-Webber.
TV presenter Nick Knowles and his wife Katie made their first public appearance since their wedding, while Georgia Toffolo, Jordan North, Ferne McCann and Joel Dommett were among several personalities at the festival.
Even JK Rowling and her husband Neil Murray made a rare outing as they were pictured dressed to the nines and sipping on flutes of bubbly in the stands.
King Charles appeared in great spirits at day four of the Ascot racing festival as he was joined by actress Sophie Winkleman in the royal box
The Monarch, 76, looked to be in deep conversation with Ms Winkleman, who is the wife of Lord Frederick Windsor and half-sister of TV presenter Claudia
Charles shares a hearty chuckle with Sophie Winkleman as they watch day four of Ascot form the royal box with Queen Camilla
Despite the joyous atmosphere, the King and Queen’s racing pot of gold failed to materialise once again as their horse Purple Rainbow was well beaten in the aptly named Sandringham Stakes race.
Charles and Camilla watched the fast-paced race from the royal box and were glued to monitors, with the King animated in the closing stages of the mile-long sprint.
He bobbed on the spot as if willing on his jockey Warren Fentiman, who was unfortunately unable to challenge the front runners.
The couple looked up in the closing stages to watch the race as it came past the stands but were left opened mouthed as Never Let Go crossed the line first.
Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, will have to wait another day to try to double their tally of Royal Ascot winners.
The King and Queen Camilla kicked off events earlier in the day after they were seen waving to racegoers as they arrived in a horse-drawn-landaus.
Theatre royalty Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber made elegant arrival in a horse-drawn-landaus
The legendary composer rode alongside his wife and Baroness Lloyd-Webber the Rt Hon Lord Richard Benyon
Sir Lloyd Webber was later spotted in the royal box chatting with a friend
JK Rowling and her husband Neil Murray made a rare public appearance in the stands
Ms Rowling and her husband Neil on day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
The couple sipped on flutes of bubbly as they chatted and laughed with friends sat around them
Ms Rowling looked elegant in her sky blue frock at Ascot today as she enjoyed the races with her husband
Ms Rowling looked surprised at one point when a guest started speaking to her during the races
Spot on! Sarah stunned in a polka dot dress while Eugenie looked chic in a white and brown frock
Zara, Eugenie and Camilla all looked the picture of perfection as they stepped out in Berkshire
The royals were all smiles as they stepped out at the festival for another day of racing action
Also at the racing event was regular Georgia Toffolo who looked the epitome of chic in a red dress with statement sleeves
Nigel Havers was also among the attendees on day four of Royal Ascot
The actor and presenter looked dressed to the nines as he soaked up the sun at the festival
Nick Knowles and his wife Katie packed on the PDA as they were seen for the first time since their wedding as they led the glamour at Royal Ascot day four on Friday
Katie Dadzie and Nick Knowles attend day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in their first public outing since tying the knot
They were joined by Camilla’s old school friend Lady Cavendish and her husband Lord Cavendish in their coach during the traditional carriage procession along the course in Berkshire.
Charles’ nieces Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall were also seen beaming as they chatted with His Majesty.
Zara donned a chic baby blue pantsuit with a matching hat, while Princess Eugenie wore beige top coupled with a white hat and skirt.
The pair were in high spirits as they shared a warm embrace upon their arrival to the festival earlier today.
Princess Eugenie’s mother, Sarah Ferguson, was also present at the prestigious event, wearing a polka dot black and white dress paired with a matching black hat.
Not to be outdone, Camilla oozed glamour in a white chiffon dress with embroidered flowers from Anna Valentine, paired with a feathered Philip Treacy hat.
Sophie Winkleman sits with King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they eagerly watch the races unfold on day four of Royal Ascot
Lord Windsor, who is the son of Prince Michael of Kent and second cousin of King Charles, was also present alongside his wife, who donned a navy buttoned up blouse and matching hat
Lord Frederick Windsor, Sophie Winkleman, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
The royals were also joined in the box by The Marchioness of Lansdowne Fiona Petty-Fitzmaurice (second right) and John Warren (far right)
Queen Camilla (right) speaks with a guest on day four of Royal Ascot
Charles appeared quite animated as he watched Thursday’s event with Ms Winkleman and his wife Camilla
Lord Frederick Windsor, Sophie Winkleman, King Charles III, Queen Camilla and The Marchioness of Lansdowne watch the Sandringham Stakes on day four of Royal Ascot
Lady Frederick Windsor, also known as Sophie Winkleman, and Lord Cavendish of Furness, on day four of Royal Ascot
King Charles (centre) and Queen Camilla on day four of Royal Ascot
King Charles and Queen Camilla during the royal procession ahead of the races
King Charles III and Queen Camilla watch a race on day four of Royal Ascot
Podcasting duo Jordan North and William Hanson pose for photographers during the fourth day of Royal Ascot
Ferne McCann stunning in a light green silk number during the fourth day of Royal Ascot
Radio host and TV presenter Joel Dommett with his wife Hannah Cooper
Eugenie’s husband Jack Brooksbank was also spotted in the parade ring alongside former defence secretary Ben Wallace when the royal procession arrived in the exclusive area.
The late Queen was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.
Charles and Camilla have taken on her stable of horses and enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when their horse Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes.
His Majesty’s appearance today comes after Princess of Wales sparked concern as she pulled out of attending the festival on Wednesday, apparently at the last minute.
But royal sources insisted there was nothing to worry about and that it was simply a case of crossed wires.
Aides also stressed that Catherine was continuing to ‘balance her return to public life’ following her cancer diagnosis last year, after which she made clear that she would resume her duties with a slow and measured approach.
King Charles III (left) and Queen Camilla watching the Sandringham Stakes on day four of Royal Ascot
The King and Queen appear shocked as they watch the races from the royal box
Charles looked pensive during one race as Camilla but her binoculars to good use
Queen Camilla (left) and Fiona Mary Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marchioness of Lansdowne, on day four of Royal Ascot
Queen Camilla completed her Ascot look for today with a feathered Philip Treacy hat
Zara appeared in good spirits as she attended the occasion alongside her royal relatives
Zara appeared to follow royal protocol as she curtsied for the King and Queen
Sarah, Duchess of York with Jack Brooksbank arriving on day four of Royal Ascot
Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall, Jack Brooksbank and Sarah Ferguson at Royal Ascot
The mini-drama came as her husband, Prince William, handed out the prize for the Prince of Wales stakes at the racecourse in Berkshire.
Executives at Ascot had expected the princess to join him, travelling down in the carriage procession from Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
At 12pm they issued the procession list for the day, featuring the Prince and Princess of Wales in the second carriage after the King and Queen.
But 22 minutes later, guidance was issued which said Catherine would not be attending. It is understood an ‘inaccurate version’ of the list was ‘issued in error’.
An updated list was circulated and Lord Soames – a good friend of the King – lost his seat to make way for William in the first carriage with Charles and Camilla. They were also joined by Saudi’s Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.
Sources stressed there was ‘no cause for alarm’ and Catherine was following guidance palace aides have always given: that she would ‘balance her return to public duties’, following appearances at Trooping the Colour on Saturday and Monday’s Order of the Garter service.
They added that she was ‘disappointed’ not to attend but ‘has to find the right balance’.
Catherine, 43, had abdominal surgery last January, after which she was told cancer had been present, forcing her to undergo preventive chemotherapy.