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3 weeks ago
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Queen Camilla put on an animated display as she attended Ebor Festival at York Racecourse today for the first time since becoming patron.
The royal, 77, cut an elegant figure in a light blue coat dress with floral embellishment.
Camilla paired her outerwear with a tan hat and opted for minimal makeup for the occasion.
The Queen completed her race day ensemble with a blush pink leather bag and nude high heels.
During today's visit, Camilla opened the Bustardthorpe Stand, which has been designed to improve racegoers' experience and has rainwater harvest tanks, solar panels and a living roof.
Pictured: Queen Camilla in the York Racecourse royal box as she watches the Ebor Festival with a pair of binoculars
After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Camilla was taken on a tour of the grounds before taking her spot in the royal box to watch the action.
The royal - who has a lifelong love of horses - was seen holding a pair of binoculars as she paid close attention to the races.
The Queen's facial expressions varied between utter delight and frustration as the races unfolded below.
Later, the royal will also present the trophy to the winner of the Ebor Handicap, which is the oldest race in the organisation's history and dates back to 1843.
Today marks the first time Camilla has visited the racecourse in her capacity as royal patron - a role which used to belong to Prince Andrew.
Camilla's engagement comes after her surprise appearance at the racecourse yesterday.
The royal was seen with William Derby - who is York Racecourse's chief executive - and wearing her ruby, diamond and sapphire horseshoe brooch.
The brooch is also set with letters spelling out the name 'Minoru', who was one of King Edward VII's most successful horses.
The royal put on an animated display in the Royal Box and was joined by racing manager John Warren (left)
The Queen's facial expressions varied between utter delight and frustration as the races unfolded below
The royal - who has a lifelong love of horses - was seen holding a pair of binoculars as she paid close attention to the races
Queen Camilla seen grimacing as she watched the action at the Ebor Festival from the Royal Box
During today's visit, Camilla opened the Bustardthorpe Stand, which has been designed to improve racegoers' experience and has rainwater harvest tanks, solar panels and a living roof
Pictured: Queen Camilla appeared in high spirits as she arrived at Ebor Festival at York Racecourse
The royal, 77, who is patron of York Racecourse, cut an elegant figure in a light blue coat dress with floral embellishment
Pictured: Queen Camilla smiles as she prepares to cut a ceremonial ribbon to open a new stand at York Racecourse
Queen Camilla, as Patron of York Racecourse, meets racegoers at the Ebor Festival at York this afternoon
During today's visit, Camilla opened the Bustardthorpe Development, which has been designed to improve racegoers' experience
Pictured: The royal seen shaking hands with members of the parachute display team during day four of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York Racecourse
During today's visit, Camilla will open the Bustardthorpe Development, which has been designed to improve racegoers' experience
Pictured: Queen Camilla made a surprise appearance at Ebor Festival at York Racecourse yesterday
Camilla's brooch is also set with letters spelling out the name 'Minoru', who was one of King Edward VII's most successful horses.
The royal was seen with William Derby - who is York Racecourse's chief executive - and wearing her ruby, diamond and sapphire horseshoe brooch
The royal will also present the trophy to the winner of the Ebor Handicap, which is the oldest race in the organisation's history and dates back to 1843
In 1909, the thoroughbred won the Epsom Derby - making King Edward VII the first monarch to win during their reign.
The late Queen's fondness for horses began when she was just four after her grandfather, King George V, gave her a little Shetland pony.
By the age of six she had fallen in love with riding, becoming an accomplished equestrian in her teenage years and has continued to ride for pleasure throughout her life.
Like her late mother-in-law, Camilla is also known for her love of horses. She has even reportedly taken over the day-to-day running of the late Queen’s stables rather than the King.
John Warren, the late Queen’s Royal bloodstock and racing advisor, has previously said that it is Camilla, rather than her husband, who has the greatest passion for horses.
He said: ‘He has always followed it, but it has been his mother’s interest so it has been at arm’s length. He owns a few horses himself, in particular with the [then] Duchess of Cornwall. She is absolutely besotted by racing.’
She also has a life-long association with equestrian charities. As the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla supported the Ebony Horse Club, the British Equestrian Federation and the Brooke Hospital for Animals.
In 2013, she joined Queen Elizabeth II on a joint visit to the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, south London, where children learn to ride in an urban setting.
Camilla has also often spoken about her childhood spent riding ponies along with her other great passion – reading.
In a recent interview with Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, Camilla said: ‘I think I have to admit, in the end, I ended up probably being a sort of pony-mad child with Black Beauty, which I howled over, night after night after night.’
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