• Maya Jama attends Royal Ascot 2022 at Ascot Racecourse in England. Getty Images
    Maya Jama attends Royal Ascot 2022 at Ascot Racecourse in England. Getty Images
  • Race-goers watch the royal procession go by the parade ring ahead of day one of Royal Ascot. PA
    Race-goers watch the royal procession go by the parade ring ahead of day one of Royal Ascot. PA
  • A race-goer attends Royal Ascot 2022. Getty Images
    A race-goer attends Royal Ascot 2022. Getty Images
  • Princess Anne and Mrs William Nunneley arriving by carriage during the royal procession. PA
    Princess Anne and Mrs William Nunneley arriving by carriage during the royal procession. PA
  • The Duchess of Gloucester, left, and Princess Michael of Kent arriving by carriage during the royal procession. PA
    The Duchess of Gloucester, left, and Princess Michael of Kent arriving by carriage during the royal procession. PA
  • Garrie Renucci and guest. Getty Images
    Garrie Renucci and guest. Getty Images
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in the royal procession. Reuters
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in the royal procession. Reuters
  • A race-goer at Royal Ascot. Getty Images
    A race-goer at Royal Ascot. Getty Images
  • Race-goers wait for the royal procession. Getty Images
    Race-goers wait for the royal procession. Getty Images
  • Race-goers attending Royal Ascot. Getty Images
    Race-goers attending Royal Ascot. Getty Images
  • An artist painting a scene at the racecourse. Getty Images
    An artist painting a scene at the racecourse. Getty Images
  • Georgia Howell and Joe Bradley at Royal Ascot. Getty Images
    Georgia Howell and Joe Bradley at Royal Ascot. Getty Images
  • The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Peter Phillips arriving by carriage during the royal procession. PA
    The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Peter Phillips arriving by carriage during the royal procession. PA
  • Nana Acheampong attends Royal Ascot 2022. Getty Images
    Nana Acheampong attends Royal Ascot 2022. Getty Images
  • Race-goers on day one of Royal Ascot. PA
    Race-goers on day one of Royal Ascot. PA
  • Lucy Blanc. Getty Images
    Lucy Blanc. Getty Images
  • William Nunneley, centre, in the royal procession. PA
    William Nunneley, centre, in the royal procession. PA
  • The royal procession makes its way down the course. Getty Images
    The royal procession makes its way down the course. Getty Images
  • A view of race-goers ahead of the races. Reuters
    A view of race-goers ahead of the races. Reuters
  • Race-goers waiting for the royal procession. Getty Images
    Race-goers waiting for the royal procession. Getty Images
  • Race-goers arrive with a picnic basket. AFP
    Race-goers arrive with a picnic basket. AFP
  • Racegoers are seen ahead of the races. Reuters
    Racegoers are seen ahead of the races. Reuters
  • A race-goer poses for a photograph on day one of Royal Ascot. PA
    A race-goer poses for a photograph on day one of Royal Ascot. PA
  • Race-goers enjoying day one of Royal Ascot. Getty Images
    Race-goers enjoying day one of Royal Ascot. Getty Images
  • TV mics at Royal Ascot. Getty Images
    TV mics at Royal Ascot. Getty Images
  • The gates at Ascot Racecourse. Getty Images
    The gates at Ascot Racecourse. Getty Images
  • A race-goer poses in an extravagant hat. EPA
    A race-goer poses in an extravagant hat. EPA
  • A horse-themed tie is worn by a race-goer. EPA
    A horse-themed tie is worn by a race-goer. EPA
  • Race-goers check the running order. EPA
    Race-goers check the running order. EPA
  • Royal Ascot is Britain's most valuable horse race meeting and social event running daily from June 14 to 18. EPA
    Royal Ascot is Britain's most valuable horse race meeting and social event running daily from June 14 to 18. EPA
  • A racegoer in a morning suit and top hat on day one of Royal Ascot. EPA
    A racegoer in a morning suit and top hat on day one of Royal Ascot. EPA
  • An extravagant hat at Royal Ascot. EPA
    An extravagant hat at Royal Ascot. EPA
  • Queen Elizabeth II is not expected to attend this year due to continuing mobility issues. Getty
    Queen Elizabeth II is not expected to attend this year due to continuing mobility issues. Getty
  • Royal Ascot is the highlight of the flat racing season in Britain, with five days of top-class action featuring an extended schedule of 35 races. EPA
    Royal Ascot is the highlight of the flat racing season in Britain, with five days of top-class action featuring an extended schedule of 35 races. EPA
  • Food and drink in the car park before racing. Getty
    Food and drink in the car park before racing. Getty

World

UK

Queen Elizabeth hails thrill of Royal Ascot as racegoers hope for visit

Queen said it was 'thrilling' that meet was back after 'challenges of recent times'

Simon Rushton
Simon Rushton

June 14, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Racegoers at Royal Ascot are hoping Queen Elizabeth II will make a special visit to the grounds this week.

She was not there on Tuesday for the traditional pre-race parade over the course but spectators still hope to see her at some point during the festival.

Writing in the official programme, the queen — a dedicated racehorse owner and breeder — said it was “thrilling” that the meet was back after “the challenges of recent times”.

The country has marked her platinum jubilee with a series of celebrations and parties, but the 96-year-old monarch has been suffering from mobility issues and has had to pull out of some high-profile events, sending her son, Prince Charles, to appear in her place.

The queen has more than 10 horses entered in various races over the five days of the event and her Windsor Castle home is only a 15-minute drive away.

Racegoers wait for the royal procession at Royal Ascot 2022. Getty Images
Racegoers wait for the royal procession at Royal Ascot 2022. Getty Images

So far, it seems that royal substitutes will be at the event this week, but that has not stopped spectators hoping for a change in the programme.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall led the royal party on Tuesday and took part in the traditional carriage procession along the course before racing begins.

They were followed by the Princess Royal and other members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Royal Ascot is as much a social occasion as a sporting event. Getty Images
Royal Ascot is as much a social occasion as a sporting event. Getty Images

Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, also attended.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, was also at the event.

Writing in the official programme, the queen said: “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.

“Once again, it is thrilling that horses from around the globe have travelled to Royal Ascot to compete at the highest level.”

  • Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her platinum jubilee in 2022, the first British monarch to reign for 70 years. Here 'The National' looks back at each of the years the queen has been on the throne. All photos: Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her platinum jubilee in 2022, the first British monarch to reign for 70 years. Here 'The National' looks back at each of the years the queen has been on the throne. All photos: Getty Images
  • 1952: A portrait of the queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
    1952: A portrait of the queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
  • 1953: The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after the queen's coronation, on June 2.
    1953: The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after the queen's coronation, on June 2.
  • 1954: The queen talking to an injured ex-serviceman during a visit to Repatriation General Hospital in Hobart, Australia.
    1954: The queen talking to an injured ex-serviceman during a visit to Repatriation General Hospital in Hobart, Australia.
  • 1955: Gen Francisco Craveiro Lopes, President of Portugal, leaves Westminster Pier for Buckingham Palace by coach, with the queen.
    1955: Gen Francisco Craveiro Lopes, President of Portugal, leaves Westminster Pier for Buckingham Palace by coach, with the queen.
  • 1956: The queen inspects the Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment, at Kaduna Airport, Nigeria, during her Commonwealth tour.
    1956: The queen inspects the Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment, at Kaduna Airport, Nigeria, during her Commonwealth tour.
  • 1957: The queen presents the trophy to American tennis player Althea Gibson after she won the women's singles tennis title at Wimbledon.
    1957: The queen presents the trophy to American tennis player Althea Gibson after she won the women's singles tennis title at Wimbledon.
  • 1958: The queen shares a joke while watching Prince Philip during a cricket match at Highclere Castle, Hampshire.
    1958: The queen shares a joke while watching Prince Philip during a cricket match at Highclere Castle, Hampshire.
  • 1959: US president Dwight D Eisenhower with Prince Philip, Princess Anne, the queen, Prince Charles and John Eisenhower, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
    1959: US president Dwight D Eisenhower with Prince Philip, Princess Anne, the queen, Prince Charles and John Eisenhower, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
  • 1960: The queen and Prince Charles walk through Liverpool Street Station in London with their dogs, having returned by train from Sandringham after the Christmas holidays.
    1960: The queen and Prince Charles walk through Liverpool Street Station in London with their dogs, having returned by train from Sandringham after the Christmas holidays.
  • 1961: The queen and Prince Philip leave Manchester by train.
    1961: The queen and Prince Philip leave Manchester by train.
  • 1962: The queen attends the races at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.
    1962: The queen attends the races at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.
  • 1963: The queen waves to residents from the rear of an open top car in the town of Russell, during a Commonwealth visit to New Zealand.
    1963: The queen waves to residents from the rear of an open top car in the town of Russell, during a Commonwealth visit to New Zealand.
  • 1964: The queen during the State Opening of Parliament ceremony in the chamber of the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster in London.
    1964: The queen during the State Opening of Parliament ceremony in the chamber of the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster in London.
  • 1965: At the Tissisal Falls, where the Blue Nile begins, with Emperor Haile Selassie during a royal visit to Ethiopia.
    1965: At the Tissisal Falls, where the Blue Nile begins, with Emperor Haile Selassie during a royal visit to Ethiopia.
  • 1966: The queen smiling after presenting England captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet trophy, following England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London.
    1966: The queen smiling after presenting England captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet trophy, following England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London.
  • 1967: The queen meets actor Rex Harrison and his wife Rachel Roberts at the premiere of the film 'Dr Dolittle' at the Odeon Marble Arch, London.
    1967: The queen meets actor Rex Harrison and his wife Rachel Roberts at the premiere of the film 'Dr Dolittle' at the Odeon Marble Arch, London.
  • 1968: The queen, Princess Margaret, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, riding at Ascot Racecourse.
    1968: The queen, Princess Margaret, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, riding at Ascot Racecourse.
  • 1969: The royal family at Windsor: Prince Edward, the queen, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.
    1969: The royal family at Windsor: Prince Edward, the queen, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.
  • 1970: US president Richard Nixon and British prime minister Edward Heath meet the queen for lunch at Chequers.
    1970: US president Richard Nixon and British prime minister Edward Heath meet the queen for lunch at Chequers.
  • 1971: Prince Charles takes part in a polo match in Windsor Great Park, accompanied by the queen and Prince Edward.
    1971: Prince Charles takes part in a polo match in Windsor Great Park, accompanied by the queen and Prince Edward.
  • 1972: The queen and Prince Philip with the president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, during a visit to Kenya.
    1972: The queen and Prince Philip with the president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, during a visit to Kenya.
  • 1973: Anne, the Princess Royal and Mark Phillips with the queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London after their wedding.
    1973: Anne, the Princess Royal and Mark Phillips with the queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London after their wedding.
  • 1974: The queen with the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.
    1974: The queen with the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.
  • 1975: The queen greets the public while visiting Greenwich, London.
    1975: The queen greets the public while visiting Greenwich, London.
  • 1976: The queen looking relaxed standing next to her car.
    1976: The queen looking relaxed standing next to her car.
  • 1977: The crowd cheers the queen in her gilded state coach during her silver jubilee procession.
    1977: The crowd cheers the queen in her gilded state coach during her silver jubilee procession.
  • 1978: The queen and Prince Philip are greeted by Native Canadians as they arrive by train during a tour of Canada.
    1978: The queen and Prince Philip are greeted by Native Canadians as they arrive by train during a tour of Canada.
  • 1979: The queen is met by president Julius Nyerere at Dar es Salaam airport, at the start of a three-day state visit to Tanzania.
    1979: The queen is met by president Julius Nyerere at Dar es Salaam airport, at the start of a three-day state visit to Tanzania.
  • 1980: On a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show, London.
    1980: On a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show, London.
  • 1981: The Prince and Princess of Wales pose on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, with the queen.
    1981: The Prince and Princess of Wales pose on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, with the queen.
  • 1982: US president Ronald Reagan and the queen at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle.
    1982: US president Ronald Reagan and the queen at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle.
  • 1983: The queen and Prince Philip are met by Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi and president Zail Singh at Palam Airport, New Delhi, during a Commonwealth tour of India.
    1983: The queen and Prince Philip are met by Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi and president Zail Singh at Palam Airport, New Delhi, during a Commonwealth tour of India.
  • 1984: Prince Charles is presented with an award by his mother, after a polo match at Smiths Lawn in Windsor.
    1984: Prince Charles is presented with an award by his mother, after a polo match at Smiths Lawn in Windsor.
  • 1985: The queen visits the University of Evora during a state visit to Portugal.
    1985: The queen visits the University of Evora during a state visit to Portugal.
  • 1986: The queen and Li Xiannian, president of China, outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during her visit to China.
    1986: The queen and Li Xiannian, president of China, outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during her visit to China.
  • 1987: The queen with Prince William and Prince Harry in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn, Windsor.
    1987: The queen with Prince William and Prince Harry in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn, Windsor.
  • 1988: US president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan chatting with the queen at Buckingham Palace.
    1988: US president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan chatting with the queen at Buckingham Palace.
  • 1989: The royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London for the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Pictured are Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William, the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
    1989: The royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London for the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Pictured are Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William, the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
  • 1990: The queen on a walkabout in Reykjavik, during a three-day state visit to Iceland.
    1990: The queen on a walkabout in Reykjavik, during a three-day state visit to Iceland.
  • 1991: England captain Will Carling introduces the queen to the England team before the Rugby World Cup Final against Australia at Twickenham.
    1991: England captain Will Carling introduces the queen to the England team before the Rugby World Cup Final against Australia at Twickenham.
  • 1992: The queen at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin during an official tour of Germany. She is seen with President Richard Von Weizsaecker.
    1992: The queen at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin during an official tour of Germany. She is seen with President Richard Von Weizsaecker.
  • 1993: The queen walking through the crowds at Royal Ascot.
    1993: The queen walking through the crowds at Royal Ascot.
  • 1994: The queen, Princess Anne, Prince Philip and Princess Diana greeting well-wishers as they attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
    1994: The queen, Princess Anne, Prince Philip and Princess Diana greeting well-wishers as they attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
  • 1995: The queen at a banquet in Cape Town, South Africa, with president Nelson Mandela.
    1995: The queen at a banquet in Cape Town, South Africa, with president Nelson Mandela.
  • 1996: Germany captain Jurgen Klinsmann lifts the trophy as the queen smiles, after the 1996 UEFA European Championships Final against Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium in London.
    1996: Germany captain Jurgen Klinsmann lifts the trophy as the queen smiles, after the 1996 UEFA European Championships Final against Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium in London.
  • 1997: The queen and Prince Philip view tributes from the public outside Buckingham Palace to Diana, Princess of Wales, after her funeral.
    1997: The queen and Prince Philip view tributes from the public outside Buckingham Palace to Diana, Princess of Wales, after her funeral.
  • 1998: The queen shopping at the trade stands at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
    1998: The queen shopping at the trade stands at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
  • 1999: With British prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair during the Millennium New Year celebrations in Greenwich, London.
    1999: With British prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair during the Millennium New Year celebrations in Greenwich, London.
  • 2000: The queen and Italy's president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi walk past the honour guard at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome.
    2000: The queen and Italy's president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi walk past the honour guard at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome.
  • 2001: The queen and other members of the royal family appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in London.
    2001: The queen and other members of the royal family appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in London.
  • 2002: The queen and Prince Philip leave after a party for close friends and family at The Ritz hotel in London. The monarch was thanking them for making her golden jubilee year a success.
    2002: The queen and Prince Philip leave after a party for close friends and family at The Ritz hotel in London. The monarch was thanking them for making her golden jubilee year a success.
  • 2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by the queen during a procession at the start of his state visit in London.
    2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by the queen during a procession at the start of his state visit in London.
  • 2004: The queen arrives in her horsedrawn carriage to attend Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.
    2004: The queen arrives in her horsedrawn carriage to attend Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.
  • 2005: Prince Charles and his bride, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pose with their families and the queen at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony.
    2005: Prince Charles and his bride, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pose with their families and the queen at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony.
  • 2006: The queen smiles at the crowds in Windsor, during a walk in the town to celebrate her 80th Birthday.
    2006: The queen smiles at the crowds in Windsor, during a walk in the town to celebrate her 80th Birthday.
  • 2007: A less-than-impressed queen raises her hand during a downpour as she stands with Prince Philip and Prince Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
    2007: A less-than-impressed queen raises her hand during a downpour as she stands with Prince Philip and Prince Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
  • 2008: The queen stands in the music room at Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas day message to the Commonwealth.
    2008: The queen stands in the music room at Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas day message to the Commonwealth.
  • 2009: US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama with the queen and Prince Philip during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
    2009: US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama with the queen and Prince Philip during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
  • 2010: The queen and Prince Philip wear 3D glasses to watch a demonstration, during a visit to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
    2010: The queen and Prince Philip wear 3D glasses to watch a demonstration, during a visit to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
  • 2011: The queen and Prince Philip arrive to open the Sainsbury Laboratory for Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden.
    2011: The queen and Prince Philip arrive to open the Sainsbury Laboratory for Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden.
  • 2012: The queen makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.
    2012: The queen makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.
  • 2013: The queen and other members of the royal family leave Westminster Abbey in London, after the service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of the queen there.
    2013: The queen and other members of the royal family leave Westminster Abbey in London, after the service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of the queen there.
  • 2014: A smiling queen arrives for the opening of the Flanders Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks in London.
    2014: A smiling queen arrives for the opening of the Flanders Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks in London.
  • 2015: The queen signs a book during a visit to the headquarters of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force's 603 Squadron in Edinburgh, Scotland.
    2015: The queen signs a book during a visit to the headquarters of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force's 603 Squadron in Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • 2016: Prince Charles, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Harry, the queen, and Prince Philip stand on the balcony during the Trooping the Colour, this year marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall.
    2016: Prince Charles, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Harry, the queen, and Prince Philip stand on the balcony during the Trooping the Colour, this year marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall.
  • 2017: The queen and Prince Charles attend the State Opening Of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster, London.
    2017: The queen and Prince Charles attend the State Opening Of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster, London.
  • 2018: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and the queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
    2018: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and the queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
  • 2019: The queen and US president Donald Trump arrive for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
    2019: The queen and US president Donald Trump arrive for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
  • 2020: Riding at Windsor. The queen has been in residence at Windsor Castle during the coronavirus pandemic.
    2020: Riding at Windsor. The queen has been in residence at Windsor Castle during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • 2021: The queen takes her seat at the funeral of Prince Philip, in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
    2021: The queen takes her seat at the funeral of Prince Philip, in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Reach For The Moon, the queen’s horse which missed out on being entered for the Epsom Derby, is the favourite to win the Hampton Court Stakes on Thursday, with jockey Frankie Dettori taking the reins.

Royal Ascot is as much a social occasion as a sporting event and racegoers wore summer dresses, flamboyant hats and tails.

Sisters Anastasia and Maria Tutus wore colourful hats in honour of their mother's homeland, Ukraine.

Anastasia, 19, from Ascot, said: “We're both wearing modernised versions of traditional Ukrainian headdresses. We wanted to show we can celebrate Ukraine despite all that is happening in the country.”

Updated: June 14, 2022, 6:31 PM
The UK royal familyQueen Elizabeth II