Queen Camilla makes surprise appearance at Ascot for major race day

Queen Camilla made a visit to Ascot Racecourse today to present the trophy to the connections of Calandagan, winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Outside of Royal Ascot, the King George VI is the racecourse’s most prestigious race days, with The Queen choosing to be in attendance to watch the top class sporting action.

Calandagan, the French challenger, claimed a thrilling victory in the 75th running of the Group One race. Despite coming under challenge from Kalapana – who surged to a two‑length lead – Calandagan, ridden by Mickaël Barzalona and trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, produced a powerful late thrust to win by a length. The horse started as the 11–10 favourite and delivered on expectations, securing a second consecutive King George Stakes for this French based yard.

Following the race, Queen Camilla appeared in the Winners’ Enclosure to present the trophy to the team behind Calandagan.

Ascot Racecourse has been intertwined with the British monarchy for over three centuries. The course was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and has hosted royal attendance ever since.

Ascot’s Royal Enclosure and ceremonial traditions remain central to the spectacle of Royal Ascot, of which Queen Camilla and King Charles III have been regular fixtures – even amid personal health challenges the past couple of years.

In recent decades, senior royals outside the immediate royal family have seldom attended high-profile races at Ascot outside Royal Ascot week. Queen Camilla’s attendance today stands out. It reinforces not only her support for such occasions but also the broader royal tradition of involvement in British horseracing.

Her Majesty’s presentation of the trophy after Calandagan’s victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes served as a potent reminder of the constitutional and ceremonial links between the Crown and Britain’s national sporting institutions.