King Charles leads the family during first day of Royal Ascot

Members of the Royal Family were photographed enjoying a day out as they attended Ascot. 

Royal Ascot, a five-day flat horse racing event held annually at Ascot race course in Berkshire, is a major event in the social calendar.

And it is popular with many royals, notably, the late Queen Elizabeth II famously loved the race – so much so, after she died, some thought The Firm’s connection with it may end.

But King Charles has continued to attend the event, and was pictured there today, appearing extremely happy at times, with photographs showing the monarch smiling, laughing, and chatting with other racegoers.

Among the other royal attendees were Princess Anne and her daughter Zara Tindall, 43, – who are both famous for their love of horses – as well as Zara’s husband Mike Tindall, and her brother Peter Phillips.

Queen Camilla accompanied the King, with the royal couple arriving together in a carriage. Princess Eugenie was also snapped at the event. 

Poignantly, Lady Gabriella attended Ascot today, making it her first official public appearance since the death of her husband.

Her late husband, Thomas Kingston died by suicide on February 25th at the age of 45 at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds. 

Lady Gabriella, who is the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, arrived at the event in a carriage she shared with Princess Anne and Peter Phillips.

She was seen being comforted by a number of royals, including Zara Tindall, who was snapped hugging the grieving Gabriella.

The King’s appearance at Ascot today followed Trooping the Colour at the weekend.

However, despite his busy schedule, and the fact he is undergoing treatment for cancer, the monarch seemed buoyant and in good spirits during the day.

The 75-year-old  was dressed in traditional grey morning suit for the annual sporting event in Berkshire.

Along with a yellow waistcoat, the King donned a light blue tie, a blue pocket square and a black top hat. He carried a large black umbrella with him.

The Queen also looked stylish, wearing a royal blue coat dress and a coordinating hat.

She styled her hair in her signature bouncy blow-dry and accessorised with a pair of pearl earrings

Meanwhile, Zara Tindall looked chic and sophisticated in a patterned yellow ensemble.

She  put her best fashion foot forward in a stylish buttermilk-coloured button-up dress that featured a pointy collar and puffy blouse sleeves.

The chic garment had a belt that cinched in Zara’s waist, showing off her slender frame. 

Zara, known to share her mother’s love of equestrian sports, was all smiles as she made her way around the Royal Enclosure – which is invitation only – at the racecourse in Berkshire today.

The mother-of-three looked every inch a royal in a rattan-style hat, which she perched on the edge of her head and wore her glossy blonde tresses in an elegant low bun. 

Her husband Mike Tindall looked dapper, attending the races in a sleek black top hat and a three-piece suit featuring a white crisp shirt, floral embroidered tie, grey waistcoat and a smart blazer.

The pair looked in high spirits and smiled as they took selfies with other revellers at the racecourse today.

They even shared an awkward moment with Queen Camilla, as her wide-brimmed headpiece got in the way of the couple trying to greet her with a kiss. 

And Princess Eugenie joined the other well-dressed royals, looking stylish in a pale green frock and cream hat. 

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.’

King of the racecourse! Charles leads the family as glamorous Zara and Princess Beatrice join him for Royal Ascot