The king and queen attended day one of Royal Ascot

Queen Camilla may have looked composed and elegant as she rode alongside King Charles at Royal Ascot on June 17, but behind the serene exterior, she was seemingly fighting a very relatable royal struggle – keeping her hat from flying off in the wind.

The 77-year-old arrived at the prestigious racing event in the traditional carriage procession alongside King Charles.

Not only did the event mark 200 years since King George IV first introduced the ceremonial procession arrival in 1825, but it also came just days after two major royal events: Trooping the Colour on June 14 and the Order of the Garter ceremony on June 16.

Dressed in a pale green Dior coat dress, Queen Camilla accessorised with a matching feather hat by Philip Treacy and the dazzling Cullinan V heart-shaped diamond brooch.

Meanwhile, King Charles, 76, looked dashing in a classic grey morning suit and top hat.

But it was Camilla’s “battle” with the breeze and her hat that stole the show.
Camilla was spotted fighting a “silent battle” with her hat (Credit: Cover Images)

Queen Camilla’s ‘silent battle’ at Royal Ascot

According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, speaking on behalf of Slingo, Queen Camilla had a humorous exchange with her close friend Lady Sarah Keswick, who was riding with them in the open-top carriage.

“Oh my goodness! If that wind blows any stronger, my hat will blow away!” Camilla reportedly said, chuckling as she clutched her headwear to keep it secure.

As the wind seemingly picked up again, Camilla apparently debated letting go to offer a wave to the cheering crowd.

“A quick wave and back to my hat… should I let go? I can’t,” she mused, according to Nicola.

Nicola joked that the queen appeared to be “fully engaged in a silent battle with her hat”.

Meanwhile, King Charles reportedly made light of their packed royal calendar.

“This is the third time I’ve been in a carriage this week,” he joked to their fellow passengers. “I mean, given that, though, there’s lots of room.”

A quick wave and back to my hat… should I let go? I can’t.

Turning toward Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud, another guest in the procession, Charles quipped: “Didn’t she get the control on it?” seemingly in reference to Camilla’s tight grip on her feathered hat.

As the carriage rounded a bend and another gust swept through, both Charles and Camilla were seen exclaiming “oooh!” in unison.

Prince Faisal then asked: “Are you frightened that your hat will blow off?”

Camilla added: “This wind is causing a frenzy.”
The king and queen attended day one of Royal Ascot (Credit: Cover Images)

Royals attend Royal Ascot 2025

Royal Ascot, a highlight of the British summer social season, was one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s most beloved traditions.

Also riding in the royal party were Princess Anne, her son Peter Phillips, and his girlfriend Harriet Sperling, as well as author Anthony Horowitz, a guest in honour of Camilla’s literacy initiative, The Queen’s Reading Room, which is being celebrated throughout the week at Ascot.

Several other royal family members were also spotted at Ascot, though some were noticeably left off the official carriage list.

Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, were all present but were not included in the public procession.

Sophie, 60, was photographed alongside guests including Rosie Collins, David Howden, Fiona Howden, and Dominic Collins. Meanwhile, Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike Tindall, were seen enjoying the afternoon with Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.