KING Charles appeared in high spirits today as he waved to crowds from a carriage at Royal Ascot – signalling the start of racing.
The monarch had Queen Camilla at his side as they beamed to the masses amid the star-studded festival at the Berkshire track.
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The royals arrived at the course in the traditional carriage procession ahead of the first race.
The couple were dressed to the nines, with Camilla stunning in an electric blue dress and hat.
The King donned a grey coat tail, yellow waistcoat, blue tie and smart-looking top hat.
Princess Anne arrived at the same time, along with Zara and Mike Tindall.
Lady Gabriella Kingston and Peter Phillips were spotted beaming, too.
Zara and the King were snapped greeting each other with a friendly kiss on the cheek and cuddle.
The King had wished racegoers the “best of luck” in chasing the “thrill of a Royal Ascot winner”.
He has a number of horses running at the iconic British meet.
Charles this morning revealed he would miss one day of the racing.
The royal, who is undergoing cancer treatment, said he wouldn’t be attending tomorrow.
However, he said he’d be back the following day.
This means Queen Camilla will have someone else at her side for day two of the procession – which signals the start of racing.
Writing jointly in the official programme, Charles and Camilla said: “It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero’s victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her late Majesty.
“We wish all the participants this week the very best of luck in seeking that unique thrill of a Royal Ascot winner.
“We also hope that those here at the racecourse and watching from home will enjoy five days of the finest racing that this sport has to offer.”
Seven races will take place on each day of Royal Ascot, with this year’s overall prize pot worth a record £10million.
Here are all the horses the King and Queen have currently entered for races at Royal Ascot this year:
*Subject to change
It comes days after the King’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, where he and Princess Kate stood shoulder to shoulder on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
The royals waved to crowds on Saturday afternoon in what experts dubbed an image of solidarity.
Adoring fans erupted as the royals stepped out for the monarch’s birthday in Kate‘s first public appearance since Christmas.
It was the first time Princess Kate had attended a public royal event since she and Charles were diagnosed with cancer.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the late Queen would have been proud of Charles and Kate’s “gesture of solidarity”.
Richard told The Sun: “What I think the image I think so many people will have is of Catherine standing next to King Charles on the balcony.
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“This can be interpreted as a gesture of solidarity and support from Charles to Catherine.
“Let’s be frank. It would have been very stressful to go through with all of the ceremony.
“It’s all in the eye of a worldwide media storm. Britain is known for its ceremonial brilliance.
“King Charles and the Princess of Wales knew very well every movement would be photographed that was public.
“Point was obviously that this was something that went very successfully, and the image was of absolute solidarity.”
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