The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, attended Royal Ascot yesterday. The recently married royal couple took part in the traditional carriage procession that starts the event each day.
BERKSHIRE: Duke and Duchess of Sussex present winning trophy for the 4.20 race as they make first appearance at event
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the Queen for a day of racing at Royal Ascot, a place the monarch has described as “this wonderful racecourse”.
Meghan and Harry took part in the popular carriage procession that – with the Queen at its head – signals the start of each day of the event.
The couple married exactly a month ago at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle with a ceremony that merged tradition with modernity and diversity.
They are rumoured to have slipped away for a honeymoon break a few weeks ago.
The Queen spoke about her fondness for Royal Ascot in her foreword for the official programme: “My family and I greatly look forward to Royal Ascot.
“As the royal meeting has evolved in recent times, it remains one of Britain’s finest sporting occasions, with 300,000 racegoers enjoying the unique heritage of Royal Ascot every year, and many more people watching at home.
“Tradition and innovation sit comfortably together, over five days of racing.
“International competition is a compelling feature in the modern era, and it is always a delight to welcome horses and jockeys from around the world to this wonderful racecourse.”
Harry and Meghan presented the winning trophy for the 4.20pm race but the couple weren’t the only ones who were the focus of speculation as punters traditionally have a bet on the colour of the Queen’s hat.
Yellow – the colour the monarch ended up wearing – was the top choice with bookies.
Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead said yellow was his firm’s 2-1 favourite, adding: “It’s one-way traffic in the betting for the colour of the Queen’s hat on the opening day of Royal Ascot this year.
“Should they be right, there will be plenty of Coral customers celebrating before the first race is even off.”
William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said his firm slashed the price on yellow after a run of bets early in the day, with the odds shortened from 4-1 to 9-4.
He added: “The weather is set fair and it looks like the Queen could well choose yellow today.”
“It’s one-way traffic in the betting of the colour of the Queen’s hat on the opening day of Royal Ascot