King Charles and Queen Camilla made a grand return to Royal Ascot, captivating the crowd with their regal presence and elegant attire. Their appearance on the third day of this prestigious horse racing event marked another chapter in their active and vibrant public life, despite ongoing health challenges.

The Royal Procession: A Majestic Entrance
On June 20, King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, led the Royal Procession, a daily highlight of Royal Ascot that begins at 2 p.m. local time. The couple rode in a horse-drawn carriage with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, setting a regal tone for the day’s festivities. This year, Queen Camilla has attended every day of the event, showcasing her commitment and passion for the tradition.

Royal Family in Full Force
Following the lead carriage, the second carriage featured Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. They were joined by the Earl of Snowdon, the late Princess Margaret’s son, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan. Notably, Edward and Sophie celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on June 19, adding a touch of personal joy to the occasion.

Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, occupied the third carriage alongside Lady Sarah and Daniel Chatto, Princess Margaret’s daughter and son-in-law. The fourth and final carriage carried Zara and Mike Tindall with the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon. Although Zara and Mike attended Royal Ascot for all three days, this was their first appearance in the Royal Procession this year, making it a special moment for the couple.

Adherence to Tradition: Royal Dress Code
Royal Ascot is known for its strict dress code, especially in the Royal Enclosure. King Charles and other men adhered to tradition by wearing morning suits and top hats. The dress code mandates morning dress in black, grey, or navy with a waistcoat and necktie. Patriotic patterns on ties are permitted, and top hats are required, though they may be removed inside certain areas.

Women in the Royal Enclosure must wear hats, with fascinators not allowed. Headpieces must have a minimum base diameter of four inches. Acceptable attire includes dresses or skirts that fall just above the knee or longer, trouser suits, or jumpsuits. Strapless garments are prohibited, and shoulder straps must be at least one inch wide.

A Highlight of the Summer Calendar
Royal Ascot is a significant event for the royal family, and they attended in full force on June 19. Besides Queen Camilla, attendees included Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Sophie, Zara, Mike, Prince William, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, and Sarah Ferguson. Carole and Michael Middleton also made their first public appearance since their daughter Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis, highlighting the event’s importance.

Kate Middleton’s Health and Public Appearances
Princess Kate made her first public appearance since her diagnosis at Trooping the Colour but did not attend Royal Ascot. Palace aides emphasized that her appearance at Trooping the Colour did not signify a full return to public duties. A source close to the royal household revealed that Kate continues to prioritize her health and is recovering privately at home.

“She has been doing what’s right for her and recovering privately at home. She is dealing with it the best she can,” the source told PEOPLE exclusively.

King Charles’s Health and Public Duties
King Charles, who has been undergoing his own cancer treatment, recently resumed public engagements. After months of working primarily behind the scenes, the King expressed his relief at being able to participate in public events again. During a visit to the Royal School of Military Engineering on May 9, he humorously remarked that he was glad to be “out of my cage.”

A Week of Royal Events
The Royal Ascot outings are part of a busy week for the monarchy. Following the celebration of his official birthday at Trooping the Colour on June 15, King Charles participated in Garter Day at Windsor Castle on June 17. This annual event honors the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in the UK. The ceremony saw King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William donning blue velvet robes and hats adorned with white ostrich feathers.

Upcoming Royal Engagements
Later this month, King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to host the Emperor and Empress of Japan during their state visit to the UK, continuing a series of significant royal engagements.

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Source: https://people.com/king-charles-queen-camilla-return-royal-ascot-day-3-royal-procession-8666182