KING Charles is reportedly ‘not looking forward’ to Royal Ascot – with the Daily Mail claiming it will be the ‘first ordeal’ of his reign.
The world came to a standstill to witness the King’s coronation last weekend.
Charles and Camilla have been regulars at Royal Ascot down the years and they couple have fully embraced their roles as overseers of the enormous Royal racing operation
But ever since the late Queen Elizabeth passed away last September, talk within the sport has turned to Charles taking on the massive Royal racing operation.
Already he has made a number of changes, including bringing in Queen Camilla as a co-owner of the horses left to him by his mother.
Royal racing adviser John Warren recently said Charles has fully embraced his role as boss of the Royal stables.
And the monarch has seen some big winners on the track, including Chalk Stream bringing in £50,000 with victory in Australia.
But according to an article in the Mail, Charles is apparently less enthused about Royal Ascot next month.
Despite those close to the King saying the opposite, the article claims: “Unlike his late mother, he has little enthusiasm for horse racing.”
It should be remembered Charles actually raced at Cheltenham Festival just a few months before marrying Diana.
The article then goes onto claim Charles will ‘not be looking forward to what most in Queen Camilla’s circle perceive as the jewel in the crown of the season’.
It is claimed ‘the Ascot office expect him to attend every day to bolster the attendance’.
Charles and Camilla are regular attendees at Ascot, with the much-loved Royal procession a key part of the five-day festival.
The late Queen always used to present the Gold Cup so that duty could now fall to the new monarch.
Sun Racing has asked the Palace for a comment on the article, while Ascot chose not to comment.
Meanwhile, Ascot has announced that a prestigious race has been renamed in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Platinum Jubilee Stakes will now be known as The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Sir Francis Brooke Bt. His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot, said: “The Late Queen’s close association with Ascot Racecourse was well known throughout the world, but no race at the Royal Meeting previously carried the name of Queen Elizabeth II.
“His Majesty The King has approved the renaming of the Platinum Jubilee Stakes to The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
“This will both honour Her Late Majesty in perpetuity and maintain the connection with the three Jubilees celebrated since the inception of the race as the Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2002.”
