For Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Ascot was the favourite of her royal engagements every year. And this began even before she ascended the throne.
Having started riding herself at the age of three, in 1946, then-Princess Elizabeth attended her first Royal Ascot at the age of 19, which is also notable for being the first post-WWII event.
And after her coronation in 1952, in the entirety of her 70-year reign, she never missed a single day of the five-day event – even managing to juggle it with the State Opening of Parliament on the same day in 2017 at the age of 91!
As monarch, Queen Elizabeth II led the Royal Carriage Procession each year. In the early 60s, she rode horses around the course herself, breaking tradition. And in 2013, her filly Estimate won the prestigious Gold Cup, making her the first reigning monarch to win as an owner (across all races, she would breed 24 winners in total).
“When (Estimate) passed the post, it brought the house down,” John Warren, Queen Elizabeth’s bloodstock and racing advisor, recalled of the historic moment. “The Queen was really, really excited. It was a day to remember.
After her passing in 2022, King Charles and Queen Camilla have continued to uphold her legacy, renaming The Platinum Jubilee Stakes to The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in 2023.
As this year’s festivities continue, we take a look back at some of our favourite images of Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot over the years.
1954 | Winners are grinners
The Queen took to the field to congratulate her horse, Auriole, after she won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stake. The Queen Mother and sister Princess Margaret were there to help her celebrate.
1960 | A historic ride
Queen Elizabeth II thrilled crowds when she took to the course to ride her own horse around the grounds.
1963 | One of the crowd
Queen Elizabeth II happily roamed the grounds, seen here leaving the Royal Ascot enclosure amongst other well-dressed guests.
1969 | Rain, hail ,or shine
Not even inclement weather could keep the monarch away – or from enjoying her favourite event with husband Prince Philip as they led the Royal Procession.
1975 | Beautiful in blue
The Queen Mother and her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, were a matching pair as they conversed at the Royal Ascot in 1975.
1979 | Another Royal Ascot win
Her Majesty was ear-to-ear smiling while congratulating her winning horse, Expansive.
1987 | Spot the Monarch…
Surrounded by hats yet still unmissable. Following her is Chief Superintendent Jim Beaton, the Queen’s Police Officer.
1990 | A cherry on top
A fun-filled appearance with the Queen Mother.
2003 | Family fun
After day two of Royal Ascot, the Queen visited the polo tournament at Windsor Park. This year, she was thrilled to present a gift to Prince Harry after his game.
2007 | Love across the generations
A giggle on Ladies Day with granddaughter, and fellow horse lover, Zara Phillips proved a fun moment for Her Majesty.
2019 | Winners are grinners
Her Majesty presented jockey Frankie Dettori with his prize after riding Stradivarius to victory in the Gold Cup on day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 20, 2019, in Ascot, England.
2021 | A last hurrah
Queen Elizabeth II’s final Royal Ascot outing was in 2021. As ever, she looked thrilled to be celebrating her favourite royal event.
