King Charles and Queen Camilla suffer disappointment at Royal Ascot

On June 18, 2025, at Royal Ascot in the United Kingdom, King Charles III and Queen Camilla experienced a moment of disappointment as their horse Reaching High failed to perform well in the Ascot Stakes, finishing ninth. This was particularly significant as Reaching High is the first horse owned by a reigning British monarch to be trained in Ireland. The couple watched from the racecourse as Reaching High, the 3-1 favorite, struggled during the race, becoming trapped and unable to find clear running in the final stretch. The horse's failure to secure a win came after it showed promise earlier in the season but, unfortunately, could not replicate that success this time. The pressure and excitement surrounding the royal couple were heightened by their previous triumph in 2023 when they celebrated their first Royal Ascot victory as monarchs with their horse Desert Hero at the King George V Stakes. The contrast between the joyous memory of their past victory and the disappointment of Reaching High’s performance served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing. Furthermore, the royal couple had high hopes for this event, which adds to their frustration. Reaching High's lineage is noteworthy; bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II, it holds a special connection to the royal family. Queen Elizabeth was known for her love of horse racing and had achieved over 20 Royal Ascot winners during her reign. The horse's failure comes during a time when King Charles III and Queen Camilla are keen on continuing this equestrian legacy and maintaining royal engagement in the sport. Despite this setback, the couple remains optimistic about future races during the five-day Royal Ascot meeting. They expressed hopes for success in the official program, wishing the best of luck to all competitors while reflecting on their past win. The event also marked a historic carriage procession celebrating 200 years of this royal tradition attended by other royals and dignitaries, illustrating the continued engagement of the royal family with British customs and traditions.