Dapper in his morning suit, doffing his top hat to the ladies and beaming with delight at being surrounded by family and friends, King Charles proved he has as much staying power as the racehorses at Royal Ascot this week.
Despite still undergoing regular weekly treatment for cancer more than a year after his initial diagnosis, His Majesty braved soaring temperatures to attend the world-famous race meet each day.
Indeed the Mail understands that he has been so buoyed by the experience that he also plans to attend today too, his fifth day in a row.
But there has been a serious side to the King’s attendance: both he and his wife, Queen Camilla, feel strongly that Royal Ascot is an important showcase for both the British racing industry and the UK as a global tourist attraction, more generally.
Indeed, the Berkshire racecourse has seen record attendance figures all week and, according to head of corporate affairs, Will Aitkenhead, seeing the monarch and his family is an intrinsic part of what makes the event so popular with the public.
Describing how the course was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, he explained: ‘Three hundred years later, we are still putting on top class racing.
‘Thirteen monarchs through to His Majesty The King now. The support of the Royal Family for the meeting is incredible. People really look forward to seeing them here.
‘Sometimes they have runners on the day and sometimes they are just here to support the industry, but either way they are an intrinsic part of the day.
‘We welcome guests from around the world in particular America, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, UAE and across Europe. Royal Ascot is also broadcast in 180 countries.
‘Horses from Japan, France, Germany, Norway, Australia, America, Ireland and Qatar compete, and lots of jockeys from overseas as well. Royal Ascot is a huge soft power asset for Britain.’
A royal aide agreed, stressing how much Charles, 76, had embraced the ‘sport of kings’ so loved by his late mother and enjoyed interacting with so many members of the public, adding: ‘The King feels it is important to show support for what is a huge industry and global showcase for the UK, especially given the number of high-level international visitors it attracts.
‘He also genuinely enjoys the chance to catch up with old friends, celebrate royal tradition and see members of the wider public particularly given the [health] issues [he has endured] over the last year.’
Indeed jovial Charles, 76, was seen yesterday affectionately kissing the hands of his stylish niece, Princess Eugenie, and her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York, who was wearing a vintage 1991 Catherine Walker outfit pulled from her wardrobe with a Jess Collett hat and Ethan K handbag.
He also appeared entranced by his niece, Zara Tindall, who rocked the trouser suit look now permitted in the Royal Enclosure with a stylish powder blue two-piece.
The King’s own style nod has been to wear a different waistcoat with his morning suit each day – in pale shades of baby pink and blue or primrose yellow.
His wife, Queen Camilla, looked cool in a white chiffon dress with embroidered flowers by Anna Valentine with a white feathered Philip Treacy hat and Queen Elizabeth’s ‘raspberry pip’ diamond brooch.
Among the other stars catching the action was Harry Potter creator, JK Rowling, who wore an oversized blue hat.
