King Charles breaks down in tears amid historic Ascot races win: Queen ‘would have been proud’

NZ Herald

22 Jun, 2023 09:36 PM3 mins to read

King Charles III and Queen Camilla hold the King George V Trophy as they attend day three of Royal Ascot 2023. Photo / Getty Images

King Charles and Queen Camilla shed a few tears yesterday as they bagged their first ever Ascot win - prior to the Monarch knocking over over his trophy in an emotional moment on the podium.

The royals broke down as they watched their horse Desert Hero win the King George V race while standing in the royal box.

After losing twice the day before, Charles and Camilla were delighted to secure their first ever win at Royal Ascot, marking the first time the event has been hosted since the Queen died in September.

During her 70-year reign, the late Queen Elizabeth won more than 24 Ascot races and Charles’ niece Zara Tindall revealed that the moment was “bittersweet” for both the King and Queen.

Chatting to ITV, Princess Anne’s daughter said: “It’s bittersweet to think how proud and excited the Queen would have been.

“To have a winner for Charles and Camilla and to keep that dream alive. And besides all that, what a race!”

Emotional King Charles on verge of tears after first Royal Ascot winner – and knocks over trophy https://t.co/oAOdWT3yNQ via @Telegraph
— Nino Brodin (@Orgetorix) June 22, 2023

The couple’s horse trainer, William Haggas, said: “They’re absolutely thrilled.

“They’ve been looking forward to Ascot for a long time, it’s very important for horse racing, important the King and Queen enjoy it.”

What’s more, King Charles accidentally knocked over the trophy during the presentation ceremony as he couldn’t hide his emotion.

The late Queen Elizabeth was a lifelong equestrian enthusiast. Her admiration of the animal began when she was gifted a Shetland pony named Peggy by her grandfather George V when she was just 4 years old.

King Charles III is seen dropping the trophy for the King George V Stakes alongside Queen Camilla. Photo / Getty Images

According to her racing adviser, the late monarch was chatting about “her love for her horses right to the very end”.

Warren revealed that he spent the weekend prior to the Queen’s death in September in Scotland, talking about her horses, as they had done on many occasions before.

“We sat there for hours over the weekend strategizing and making plans going forward,” he said.

King Charles II and Queen Camilla watch their horse Desert Hero win as they attend day three of Royal Ascot 2023. Photo / Getty Images

The Queen died at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96.

Royal Ascot paid homage to the late Queen this year with a heartwarming photo collection showing her racing highlights over the years.

After being crowned Queen in 1953, she travelled to the horse races in Berkshire every year, with the only exception being 2020 as a result of the Covid lockdowns.