Royal Ascot 2018: Prince Harry & Meghan Make a Grand Entrance
On the crisp dawn of June 20th, the beloved Queen Elizabeth II performed her well‑rehearsed duty, guiding the Royal Procession along the storied starting line of Royal Ascot. For over six decades, she’s been the face of this equine extravaganza, and this year, nothing once changed.
All Eyes Set on the New Royal Couple
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint debut at the race.
- They sat snugly in the third carriage of the four, handing over the trophy for the St James’s Palace Stakes with a moment that felt truly special.
Winning Moment: Without Parole Takes the Title
The race finished with Without Parole spinning out a win. The Italian show‑stopper, Frankie Dettori, was at the reins, while trainer John Gosden kept the horse at peak form.
Owner’s Testimony: “It Was the Best Day of My Life”
John Gunther, the Canadian owner, beamed with excitement. One of his most heartfelt remarks echoed:
“Meeting them in person is like climbing Mount Everest.”
He added that the day was full of thrilling highs:
“Base camp four is Without Parole winning and the peak is meeting the Royal couple.”
Gunther, known for breeding the US Triple Crown champion Justify, had a season that none of us could forget.
In Summary
Royal Ascot 2018 was not only a showcase of fine racing but also a moment of new memories, with a newly married couple twining history with present‑day glamor. It’s a story that will be told for years to come – just another chapter in the long, glorious tale of the British royal household.
All Eyes on the Queen’s Yellow Parade at Ascot
Queen Elizabeth II, already the longest‑serving monarch in British history, chose to ride in a tidy, classic carriage instead of the glamorous racing horse she once rode in 1960. “The Royal Meeting is less about the thrill of the race and more about that immaculate style,” she says, stamping her timeless love for the event into every step.
Family as the Backdrop
- Princess Anne – the ever‑sporty rider and a super‑relaxed elder sister, just welcomed her fourth great‑grandchild on Tuesday. Her daughter, Zara Tindall, and her husband, former England rugby star Mike Tindall, proudly usher in the 7th great‑grandchild.
- Prince Andrew – the middle son, has blinked in the carriage, offering a quiet moment of support.
- Prince Charles and Camilla – the duo also strutted through the procession, with Camilla already keeping a few of her own horses on the trot.
The queen’s appearance was a sweeping yellow ensemble, crowned by a matching hat spruced up with a blue flower. It’s a fashion statement many will try to copy and many will bemoan – a classic “stalk the needs but keep it simple” moment.
Shining a Light on the Racing Game
Royal Academy of horse racing prides itself on the 23 thrilling victories the Queen has amassed over the years, with Estimate earning the historic Ascot Gold Cup in 2013. Now, just as the season barrels ahead, her ambitions are on fire.
- Seniority – a double‑win ace, gaining entry to Wednesday’s 30‑runner Royal Hunt Cup.
- Fabricate – staying in the Wolferton Stakes later on Tuesday.
- Elector – will compete in Friday’s Group Two King Edward VII Stakes.
Three wins, victories that make the Queen’s mariachi heartthrob feel as proud as a royal son that turns Huh, I could definitely be a horse lover?
Nano‑Size Crowd & Big Bucks
With a predicted 300,000 visitors, the Royal Meeting sets up the skillet to bring Europe’s finest thoroughbreds in a duel with international field from the U.S. and Australia. All eyes are on the £7.3million or $9.7million of prize money on the card that includes eight Group One contests.
The Plagued Security Upgrade
- Random breathalyser tests at the entrance.
- Additional sniffer dogs to sniff out illicit recreational drug users.
- These measures are a response to the brawls that occurred at Ascot and Goodwood earlier in the flat racing season.
The 92‑year‑old monarch is ready to diversify her collection of champs. Are the breedings ready to propel the Queen onto the final side? As these tales parade through the Royal Meeting, it’s improbable that this royal ride will ever be the same.
