Cornelius Lysaght, racing journalist and expert, said: “Commercially, the Royal Ascot brand is a massive success.
“Part of it is the top hats and the horses but the Royal family is at the centre of it and is absolutely fundamental. People don’t want to come to Ascot, they want to come to Royal Ascot.
“Inevitably, part of that brand has been the Queen but the King is a pragmatic figure. He knows that some things you do because it’s part of your role to showcase UK PLC.”
He may not be such a fan of the sport as the late Queen, however it has been said that Charles has been “trying to really learn about the whole industry”.
Lee Mottershead wrote in the Racing Post: “It doesn’t matter if they’re besotted. What does matter is that the support of the Royal Family is there. The Queen was an aficionado and absolutely adored every minute of it but others go and still thoroughly enjoy it.
“I think the King is still pretty keen. He won’t be nipping into the anteroom to watch Homes Under the Hammer. The Queen is also very enthusiastic about it.”
Other members of the Royal Family expected to attend Ascot include Zara and Mike Tindall and Princess Anne, with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also previous attendees.
Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales may also attend one day of the festival, due to their popularity when they were spotted there last year, however they are like Charles not such big horse racing fans.
