Rand Charles III did not want to go, they say at court. He is not a big fan of horses and horse racing, his collaborators reveal, much to want to sell a large part of the thoroughbreds inherited from the mother. But the sovereign had promised to be present for the entire duration of the event so loved by Elizabeth and so he did, taking Camilla with him. And when she arrived the first victory of one of his horseshe was even moved.
Charles III is excited about his first victory at Ascot
Following the final stages of the race, from the top of the Royal BoxKing Charles, 74, appeared increasingly surprised and Camilla, 75, even started waving the program in the air when their horse, Desert Hero (certainly not one of the favourites), he secured victory in the race dedicated to King George V, great-grandfather of Charles. The king was unable to hold back his enthusiasm, and did not even hide a few tears of emotion.
A significant victory for Carlo and his stables
The victory is particularly important as it is the first obtained by Royal Mews at Ascot since they came under the management of the new ruler last September. And perhaps the most significant since Estimateamong Queen Elizabeth’s most successful thoroughbreds, won the prestigious gold cup, in 2006.
Charles and Camilla celebrate the victory of their horse ‘Desert Hero’ at Ascot, 22 June 2023 (Getty Images)
A surprise victory for Carlo and Camilla
The competition hadn’t really started well for the Royal stables, with the first few days marked by one defeat after another. But the victory of Desert Hero looks quite promising for the future, even if Carlo will have to go a long way to match or even beat the record of the mother Elizabethwho collected 24 victories at Ascot during his 70-year reign.
The emotion of Charles III at Ascot, 22 June 2023 (Getty Images)
King Charles got so excited that he broke the trophy
Carlo did not hide all his joy not even during the cup delivery ceremony, dropping it and detaching its base, under the amused eyes of his wife Camilla and the Duke of Kent, Elizabeth’s cousin. But the small trophy is only symbolic – the winner of the competition also secures a check for £50,000 (just under 60 thousand euros).
Granddaughter Zara: «My grandmother would have been proud»
In a television interview, granddaughter Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne and Olympic champion, said that the moment aroused mixed emotions for the whole family, at the thought of Queen Elizabeth who is no longer here: «My grandmother would certainly have been thrilled and would have been very proud. A victory for Carlo and Camilla means keeping her dream alive ».
Camilla’s kiss to Frankie Dettori
Jockey Frankie Dettori kisses Queen Camilla, Ascot, 22 June 2023 (Getty Images)
A very emotional moment for Carlo and Camilla was also offered by the victory of our Frankie Dettori, at his last Ascot before retiring and one of Elizabeth’s favorite jockeys. In handing him the Gold cup won with the horse Courage Mon Ami, Carlo congratulated the legendary jockey. Who then greeted Camilla by defying every protocol rule and giving her a big kiss – reciprocated – on her cheek.
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