It’s a busy day for the monarch, who skipped his nephew’s wedding reception to attend Derby Day at Epsom Downs. A source tells HELLO! that King Charles and Queen Camilla were whisked off via car to a nearby airfield where his helicopter was waiting.

Succeeding the late Queen Elizabeth II, who served as patron for 68 years, the royal couple now acts as joint patrons of The Jockey Club, the organization that owns and operates the Surrey-based racecourse. The late Queen’s dedication to the historic event was legendary; between the beginning of her reign in 1952 and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, she only ever missed the race twice.

Expressing the venue’s excitement, Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, stated: “We are honoured and thrilled that Their Majesties will be joining us at Epsom Downs on Derby Day.

“The King and Queen show great enthusiasm, interest and support for British horseracing, and their attendance next week will be a incredibly proud moment for our entire team and everyone connected with the racecourse.”