King, Queen Attend Royal Ascot 200th Anniversary Celebration

Royal Ascot continues its legacy as a celebrated event deeply intertwined with the British monarchy, marking its 200th anniversary of the royal procession tradition begun in 1825. King Charles and Queen Camilla recently expressed their excitement about competing at the event with their horse Reaching High, following their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023, continuing the late Queen Elizabeth II's passionate involvement in horse racing during her 70-year reign. The late Queen Elizabeth II famously celebrated multiple victories at Royal Ascot, including a historic win with her horse Estimate in the 2013 Gold Cup, highlighting her lifelong love and support for thoroughbred racing and breeding. The event's origins trace back to 1711 when Queen Anne identified the Berkshire heathland as ideal for horse racing, founding what has become a global social and sporting spectacle, with the Queen Anne Stakes named in her honor. Despite recent absences due to health, Catherine, Princess of Wales, is expected to attend Royal Ascot after recovering from cancer, although she has historically dealt with an allergy to horses. The enduring royal presence and tradition at Royal Ascot underscore its status as a highlight of the British social and sporting calendar, blending heritage, competition, and royal patronage.