The Royal Procession At Ascot Celebrates 200 Year Anniversary In 2025

The Royal Procession at Ascot today and this week always marks the start of racing each afternoon at the five-day meeting and heading into 2025 there is a special milestone. This is because the Royal Procession at Ascot this year will mark its 200th anniversary. 

Royal Procession Celebrates 200 Year Tradition In 2025

Royal Ascot these days is a truly international affair with the five-day meeting being beamed all over the world and alongside the top-notch horse racing are many other attractions.

High fashion over the fixture is, of course, one of big areas that gets a lot of airtime.

But it’s also the royal presence at that attracts the world media. With King Charles III and Queen Camila leading a daily Royal Procession at the start of each day.

This horse-drawn carriage procession starts with the monarchy leaving Windsor Castle by car and by the Long Walk into Windsor Great Park.

Where they transfer into horse-drawn Ascot Landaus where the Royal Procession then makes its journey down the Straight Mile at Ascot Racecourse.

With the trip normally starting 30 minutes before the first race each day (2pm). And giving racegoers at the track a chance to see the King and Queen close up.

And this year in 2025 the Royal Procession will have an added interest as this year will mark 200 years of this tradition.

The 2025 Royal Ascot dates will run from Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st June.

The origin of this tradition actually dates back to 1711 when Queen Anne founded Ascot as a place to race horses for kings.

But it wasn’t until when George IV was in power in 1825 that the Royal Procession was first introduced. With the first procession on the 31st May 1825.

This saw King George IV partnered by the then Duke Of Wellington and led four other horse-drawn coaches that included members of the Royal family from Windsor Castle to Ascot.

200 years on it’s still going strong and a big highlight for many racing and non-racing folk.

What Time Is The Royal Procession at Ascot Each Day?

Each day the Royal Procession at Ascot will start at 2pm – which is 30 minutes before the first race at 2:30pm.

With the gates opening at 10:30am, many horse racing fans and royal lovers will get to Ascot early to get the best positions to see the procession.

The royal party will then head to the Royal Box in the grandstand to enjoy the racing and the rest of the day.

Will King Charles III Be Attending Royal Ascot This Year?

With there being King Charles Royal Ascot horses this year on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday then King Charles III and Queen Camilla will have an added interest.

The pair are, therefore, expected to be in attendance for these three days. But are also strongly rumoured to be in the Royal procession at Ascot over the entire five-day meeting.

King Charles had his first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when Desert Hero won the King George VI Stakes (watch below).

Who Else Will Be In The Royal Procession At Ascot Today?

Names are yet to be confirmed. But we can expect other members of the monarchy to be in the 2025 Royal Procession at Ascot today and for the rest of the week.

While other lords, ladies and significant figures are often invited to take a seat in the carriages behind the King.

Plus, horse racing trainers like Willie Mullins, Jamie Snowden and Aidan O’Brien have also been invited in the past.

Royal Ascot Dates 2025? 🎩🍾

📅Date: Tues 17th – Sat 21st June 2025
⌚Times: First race 2:30pm, Last race 6:10pm
🏇Racecourse: Ascot
💷Purse: £10.5m
📺 TV: ITV Racing/SkySports

You can also see the full 2025 Royal Ascot dates, schedule and race card times here.