Princess Beatrice Opted Out of Royal Ascot Carriage Procession
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Princess Beatrice was notably absent from the carriage procession alongside her uncle, King Charles, and other members of the royal family at the prestigious Royal Ascot event. The first day of the races saw the King and Queen Camilla arriving in a carriage, upholding a tradition that dates back two centuries. While Beatrice has participated in the procession previously, she did not partake this time, likely due to space constraints.
The King, aged 76, and the Queen, aged 77, set the stage for the day’s events by partaking in the symbolic procession. This tradition traces back to May 31, 1825, when King George IV led a procession of royal members in horse-drawn coaches from Windsor Castle to Ascot. Despite not arriving with the King and Queen, Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, were in attendance. Similarly, Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike Tindall, were spectators at the event, refraining from joining the carriage procession.
Although Princess Beatrice, Zara, and others have participated in the carriage procession on previous occasions, their absence on this particular day was likely due to limited space in the four coaches. It is expected that they may potentially join the procession on another day during the Royal Ascot week. Despite not riding in the procession, Princess Beatrice and her husband were seen engaging warmly with King Charles and other family members at the event.
Royals Editor, Writer, and Reporter at PEOPLE, Stephanie Petit, highlighted Princess Beatrice’s presence at Royal Ascot on June 17, 2025. The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice donned a stylish pink and white ensemble for the occasion, paired with an elegant headpiece. Edoardo maintained the dress code with a sharp suit and top hat. Interestingly, both Beatrice and Edoardo were seen wearing name tags, a common practice signalling access to specific areas within the event.
Royal Ascot, established in 1711 by Queen Anne, was designed as a venue for horses of royal calibre. The British royal family has maintained a deep connection with the event ever since its inception. The carriage procession remains a highlight of each day, drawing crowds from around the world. The royal family’s participation extends beyond attending as spectators, as they are also racehorse owners with a genuine interest in the races.
The event holds sentimental value for the royal family, with significant moments engrained in its history. Queen Elizabeth’s successful ownership of horse Estimate, which won the Gold Cup in 2013, marked a remarkable milestone as the first reigning monarch to achieve such a feat. The royal family’s emotional investment in the races was evident during King Charles’ inaugural year at Royal Ascot when his mother’s horse, Desert Hero, secured a victory. The emotional reactions from both King Charles and Queen Elizabeth added to the poignancy of the moment.
Overall, the Royal Ascot event contributes to a bustling week for the British royal family, culminating in various traditional and ceremonial gatherings. The family’s recent engagements, including Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter service, emphasise their commitment to upholding longstanding customs and traditions. The presence of the royal family at such events not only symbolises continuity but also showcases their enduring connection to the British populace and their rich heritage.