The King and Queen arrived for the first day of Royal Ascot, taking part in the traditional Carriage Procession and meeting guests in the Royal Enclosure.

The King looked delighted to be at the annual racing event while the Queen, who is well known for her love of horse racing, was radiant in a cobalt blue ensemble and wide brimmed hat.

Joining the King and Queen in the carriage were the Duke and Duchess of Wellington, who attended the Coronation and are close friends of Charles and Camilla.

In the second carriage was Lady Gabriella Windsor, daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent; Princess Anne and her son Peter Phillips; and the late Queen’s racing manager John Warren who now looks after the King’s horses. Lady Gabriella was seated next to Princess Anne and was later seen in a warm embrace with the Princess’s daughter Zara Tindall. The royals have rallied around Lady Gabriella following the tragic suicide of her husband Thomas Kingston in February. The King invited her to Saturday’s Trooping the Colour as well as the opening day of Royal Ascot.

Also joining the royal party was Queen Camilla’s sister Annabel and her son Sir Ben Elliott.The King, who won the George V stakes on his horse Desert Hero at Royal Ascot last year, inherited his mother’s collection of racehorses.

Charles has resumed royal duties after his cancer diagnosis, and hopes to attend at least twice during Royal Ascot.

The King and Queen’s attendance is hugely important for the sport, and Ascot is the most famous flat race in the world, founded by Queen Anne in 1711.

Writing jointly in the official programme, Charles and Camilla said: 'It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero's victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her late Majesty.

'We wish all the participants this week the very best of luck in seeking that unique thrill of a Royal Ascot winner.:”