Peter and Harriet Phillips have made their first major public appearance as newlyweds, joining members of the Royal Family in the traditional carriage procession on the opening day of Royal Ascot.
Just days after their wedding, the couple were among the distinguished guests selected to take part in one of the most prestigious royal traditions, travelling alongside Princess Anne in the second carriage of the procession.
Their appearance was one of the most talked-about moments of the opening day, with racegoers catching a first glimpse of the newly married couple at a major public event following their wedding last Saturday.
The carriage procession itself was a welcome sight after concerns earlier this year that an outbreak of equine influenza could threaten the centuries-old tradition. However, the spectacle proceeded as planned, providing the familiar pageantry that has become synonymous with Royal Ascot.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the royal party in the first carriage, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.
In the second carriage, The Princess Royal was joined by Peter and, alongside Sir Ben Elliot.
The appearance marked a significant moment for the couple as they stepped into the spotlight for their first major engagement since becoming husband and wife.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester travelled in the third carriage with businessman Gus Christie and internationally acclaimed soprano Danielle de Niese.
The fourth carriage carried businessman Matt Ramsden and his wife, together with renowned interior designer Luke Irwin and his wife.
The royal procession remains one of the defining features of Royal Ascot, with thousands of racegoers lining the route each day to watch members of the Royal Family arrive in horse-drawn landaus before the afternoon’s racing begins.
