Prince Charles and
the Duchess of Cornwall led the procession riding in the first
carriage with Vice Admiral Sir Charles Anthony Johnstone-Burt, Master of the
Household. Camilla was a vision in white in her V-neck fitted gown. She
finished off her look with layers of pearls and a wide-brimmed asymmetric hat.
Despite delighting fans with
their presence, royal fans were quick to spot the vacant seat opposite Prince
Charles. The reason was simple: the seat was intentionally left empty in honour
of the Queen’s absence.
Having battled numerous
mobility struggles, the 96-year-old monarch once again missed Wednesday’s
Ascot proceedings. Although she was unable to attend, the Queen did make her
presence known with a sweet message in the official programme which read:
“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.”
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A seat was left vacant in honour of the Queen
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.
This isn’t the first time Her
Majesty has reluctantly had to cancel her royal engagements. Over the Platinum
Jubilee weekend, the Queen opted to withdraw from Friday’s service of
thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. In a statement, Buckingham
Palace said that Her Majesty “greatly enjoyed” her birthday
parade and flypast, but “did experience some discomfort”.
Whilst the monarch did manage
to make a final appearance on the balcony to round off Sunday’s Jubilee
Pageant, she was aided by a walking stick and supported by members of her
family. And on Monday, the Queen was pictured with her walking stick as she
posed for a photograph alongside Prince Charles and Camilla to mark the Order
of the Garter service.
