Queen Camilla looked stylish today as she interrupted her annual summer holiday in Balmoral with King Charles to attend the second day of the Ebor Festival in York.
In celebration of the Juddmonte International race being named by the Longines World Racing Awards as the ‘World’s Best Race’ of 2024, the royal beamed as she unveiled a plaque at York Racecourse.
Camilla, a huge fan of horseracing and a patron of the racecourse since June 2024, looked typically elegant in a pale blue coat and a cream, wide-brimmed hat featuring a bow.
The queen, 78, took off her knee-length jacket to reveal a long-sleeved, floral dress in white, blue and red. Perfect for the bright day, it had puff sleeves and a pleated skirt.
She accessorised with a striking necklace made up of four strings of pearls and diamonds as well as a pair of classic pearl earrings and several dainty bracelets in silver and gold.
The king’s wife carried a beige, woven handbag by Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta, which matched her suede, pointed-toe kitten heels.
Upon arrival, Camilla was met by Chris Legard, Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Bridget Guerin, the Chairman of the York Race Committee, and William Derby, the Chief Executive of York Racecourse upon her arrival.
She was pictured smiling as she greeted the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM.
Queen Camilla (pictured) looked typically elegant in a pale blue coat and wide-brimmed cream hat complete with a bow
The Queen wore a summery floral dress in white, red and blue beneath her stylish jacket
The Queen completed her look with a beige, woven bag and matching suede kitten heels
The queen took the salute from the RAF Falcons display team at the start of the racing programme and later unveiled the plaque.
At the end of the Yorkshire Oaks race, Her Majesty will present the trophy to the winner.
Throughout the day, she chatted to fellow racegoers and met representatives of local charities supported by York Racecourse.
As patron, Camilla cut the ribbon to open the racecourse’s new Bustardthorpe Development last year after the refurbishment of the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand had been completed.
She was later taken on a tour of the grounds before taking her spot in the royal box, where she was seen holding a pair of binoculars and paying close attention to the races.
The Queen’s love for horses echoes that of her mother-in-law, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Camilla has even reportedly taken over the day-to-day running of the late Queen’s stables rather than King Charles.
She also has a life-long association with equestrian charities. As the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla supported the Ebony Horse Club, the British Equestrian Federation and the Brooke Hospital for Animals.
In 2013, she joined Queen Elizabeth II on a joint visit to the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, south London, where children learn to ride in an urban setting.
Her Majesty is currently spending her summer holidays at Balmoral Castle, where they are joined by other members of the royal family in a tradition that has been continued since the estate was acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852.
On Sunday, she sat in the passenger seat as King Charles drove them both to a church service in Balmoral, waving at members of the public keen to spot a glimpse of them.
She accessorised with a striking necklace made up of four strings of pearls and diamonds
Camilla appeared to be in great spirits as she attended the racecourse today
The Queen’s pretty summer dress had puff sleeves and a pleated skirt
Camilla’s classic pearl earrings brightened her complexion
Her Majesty met the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM, at York Racecourse
Camilla beamed as she unveiled a plaque at York Racecourse today
She wore a selection of dainty bracelets in silver and gold on her wrists
She appeared happy to be at the racing event and enjoyed talking to fellow racegoers
Both Charles and Camilla opted for smart outfits, with the monarch sporting a camel coat, while the Queen donned a statement hat featuring a green and black feather, which appeared to match the rest of her attire.
Camilla was also seen enjoying a day out shopping with her daughter Laura Lopes, 47, and her granddaughter Eliza Lopes, 17, in the Scottish village of Ballater earlier this week.
Smiling, Camilla looked summery in a floral midi dress featuring a red and green pattern, which she paired with a jade cardigan and comfortable beige wedges.
She accessorised with fashionable tortoiseshell sunglasses, a pair of gold hoop earrings and several delicate bracelets.
Laura, meanwhile, wore a pale denim jacket and wide-leg black trousers. She completed her low-key look with a raffia bag and a pair of sunglasses, which kept her long, blonde hair off her face.
Camilla took the time to chat to many other attendees, all of whom seemed delighted to meet the queen
Camilla was presented with a jar of honey by Harry and Seline Silk from Knavesmire Nectar as she met representatives from local charities supported by the racecourse
Camilla, 78, completed her look with a beige, woven bag by Bottega Veneta and matching suede shoes
Camilla, who is a huge fan of horseracing, took the salute from the RAF Falcons (pictured)
The youngest of the three was Eliza, who chose a trendy outfit of low-rise jeans and a cropped T-shirt for the relaxed outing.
Last Friday, the royal couple were moved to tears by the powerful first-hand testimony of VJ veterans as they spoke at a service of remembrance marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Charles and Camilla were attending the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire organised by the Royal British Legion in what made for a moving tribute to war heroes, where they were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
