The 2025 Royal Ascot is in full swing, with the royal family in attendance for the highly anticipated event at Ascot Racecourse, England. The prestigious annual gathering, which kicked off on Tuesday, June 17, will run until Saturday, June 21, drawing crowds from around the world. Each morning before the horse races, royal family members arrive in carriages, partaking in a grand procession. On the first day, King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the way, but it was Princess Catherine and Prince William’s absence that caught the attention of royal watchers.

Royal family members attending the event are always dressed to impress, with traditional hats and elegant outfits. The men opt for sharp suits, while the women often don pastel hues that complement the sunny summer atmosphere.

Looking back to 2022, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (now Prince and Princess of Wales) made a major splash as they led the procession at Ascot for the first time as the royal couple. This year marked another significant milestone for Kate and William, as they were seen riding in the first carriage of the royal procession, a tradition they had never participated in before.

A Thoughtful Gesture
For this special occasion, Kate and William shared their carriage with The Hon Arthur George Vestey and his wife, Martha. Arthur, the son of the late Lord Vestey and the Queen’s former Master of the Horse, Baron Samuel Vestey, is a close friend of Prince William and fellow Old Etonian. The decision to invite Arthur and Martha was described as a “lovely gesture” by royal commentator Richard Eden. Arthur had lost both of his parents during the pandemic, making the invitation all the more meaningful.

Eden shared his thoughts on Twitter, praising the royal couple’s kind gesture:
“Lovely gesture by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to invite Arthur and his wife, Martha, to travel in their carriage. Arthur lost both his parents during the pandemic. His father, Lord Vestey, would often ride in the Queen’s carriage.”

A Regal Appearance
As the couple made their way to the racecourse, Kate and William were spotted engaging in lighthearted conversation with their guests. At one point, the wind picked up, and Kate had to hold on to her hat to ensure it didn’t blow away. As their carriage passed in front of the enclosures, Kate smiled brightly and waved to the adoring crowd that had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royals.

Notably, Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, was the only other royal to take part in the procession that day, sharing his carriage with his girlfriend, Lindsay Wallace. They were accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Bedford.

Among other prominent racegoers spotted at Ascot was Carrie Johnson, the wife of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. However, one notable absentee was Queen Elizabeth II, who has yet to attend this year’s event. In previous years, the Queen would attend the races each day, but due to ongoing mobility issues, she has been unable to attend as often. Last year, she attended only the final day of the races, accompanied by her racing manager, John Warren.

A New Chapter for Kate and William
This year’s appearance at Royal Ascot marks a significant moment for Kate and William, as they step into their roles as the future of the monarchy. Their participation in the royal procession and their thoughtful gesture toward the Vesteys is a reminder of their growing influence and responsibility within the royal family. As they continue to take on more public duties, their ability to balance tradition with modernity remains a focal point for the British public and royal watchers worldwide.

As the event continues, the royal family will undoubtedly make more waves, with Kate and William leading the way with their poise, grace, and heartfelt gestures.