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Royal Ascot

The tears of King Charles as his Ascot win brings a special link to Queen Elizabeth II

By
23rd June 2023

King Charles III was visibly moved as his horse raced to a famous win at Royal Ascot – and there was a poignant reason why.

The horse had been bred by his beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

His Majesty clearly had tears in his eyes as he celebrated the victory in the King George V Stakes on day three. As Desert Hero trotted to the winner’s enclosure, The King and Queen both wiped away tears.

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King Charles III’s niece, Zara Tindall, was also there and later said ”I just think how excited my grandmother would have been. To have a winner for Charles and Camilla and to keep that dream alive was incredible.’‘

The King was also cheered by his sister, The Princess Royal, as he stepped up to claim the trophy. His Majesty and Queen Camilla are joint owners of the horse and were clearly thrilled to be presented with the cup with the Duke of Kent doing the honours.

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There was another special link for The King as his first Ascot win made headlines. It came just weeks after his Coronation and Queen Elizabeth II’s first Ascot victory as monarch came soon after her own Coronation in June 1953.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.