King Charles and Queen Camilla make major announcement as they prepare for historic royal tradition

King Charles and Queen Camilla will continue a centuries-old royal racing tradition next week after confirming plans to attend the Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs.

The Jockey Club announced on Thursday that Their Majesties will be present on Derby Day, Saturday 6 June, to watch one of the most prestigious races in world horseracing.

The King and Queen, who became joint patrons of the Jockey Club in 2024, are expected to join racing fans at Epsom for the 247th running of the Derby, a race first staged in 1780 and widely regarded as the premier test for three-year-old thoroughbreds.

Their appearance underlines the royal family’s enduring connection to British racing and follows in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, whose devotion to the sport was unrivaled.

The late Queen attended Derby Day almost every year throughout her reign, missing the famous race only twice before the Covid-19 pandemic – once during a state visit to Sweden in 1956 and again in 1984 while attending commemorations marking the 40th anniversary of D-Day in France.

As joint patrons of the Jockey Club, Charles and Camilla succeeded Queen Elizabeth II following her death in September 2022. She had held the role for an extraordinary 68 years.

The Derby remains one of the crown jewels of the British sporting calendar and is the richest race run in Britain, sharing that distinction with a prize fund of £2 million this year.

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said everyone connected with the venue was delighted by the royal visit.

“We are honoured and thrilled that The King and Queen will be joining us at Epsom Downs on Derby Day,” he said.

“Their Majesties show great enthusiasm, interest and support for horseracing in the UK and their attendance next week will be a proud moment for all of the team here and everyone connected with the racecourse.”

Allen added that royal attendance had become inseparable from the Derby’s identity.

“Derby Day provides joy and entertainment to millions of people around the world as one of Britain’s most famous and iconic events, and Royal attendance has been synonymous with the meeting for generations.”

The King’s passion for racing stretches back decades. Appointed an honorary member of the Jockey Club in 1980, he has long been involved in equestrian pursuits, including amateur riding and polo.

Queen Camilla, who became an honorary member in 2015, has also maintained close links to the sport and has served as patron of the National Stud since 2018.

Together, the King and Queen have continued the late Queen’s celebrated racing operation and enjoyed a memorable Royal Ascot success in 2023 when Desert Hero won the King George V Stakes.

The royal couple’s attendance comes amid growing excitement for this year’s Derby, which forms part of Britain’s five Classic races alongside the 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St Leger.

Despite Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable record as an owner, the Derby was the one British Classic that eluded her. Her closest attempt came in 1953 when Aureole finished second during her Coronation year.

Only one reigning British monarch has ever owned a Derby winner. That distinction belongs to King Edward VII, whose colt Minoru triumphed in the race in 1909.