The royal family were out in
force on Tuesday to attend the opening day of Royal Ascot, and one of the
highlights of the annual racing event is no doubt the glorious carriage
procession that kicks off proceedings.
Prince Charles and the Duchess
of Cornwall led the procession riding in the first carriage with
Peter Phillips on Tuesday, followed by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent in the second carriage. Princess Anne and
other notable VIP guests rode in the third carriage.
Royal watchers may have
noticed that the ladies all had forward-facing seats in their carriage and
there’s a very simple reason; the back seats have a better view of the crowds
and the racecourse as they enter the enclosure. They also tend to be
photographed more clearly.
In the case of royals riding
with non-royals, the Queen and her family would take precedence and would again
be given the forward-facing seats.
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The royals tend to be photographed more clearly in the forward-facing seats
Members of the royal family
typically step out in force for Royal Ascot – although the Queen, who
suffers from mobility issues and uses a walking stick, did not make an
appearance on opening day. She did, however, write a message in the
official programme.
“After the challenges of
recent times, this year’s royal meeting provides a long-awaited opportunity for
supporters of racing from all over the world to come together for five days of
outstanding sport,” she penned.
“Once again, it is
thrilling that horses from around the globe have travelled to Royal Ascot to
compete at the highest level.”
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They also have a better view as they enter the enclosure
The Queen has more than
ten horses entered over the five days of the event and, with her Windsor
Castle home just a 15-minute drive away, there is still some hope that she will
attend during the week.
