Queen ‘the most welcome visitor in York’ as she joins thousands at the races
The Queen was announced as “the most welcome visitor here at York today” as she arrived at the racecourse during a downpour.
Luckily the rain was shortlived and the sun shone for most of Camilla’s visit.
The Queen, who became patron of York Racecourse in 2024, wore a blue straw feathered Philip Treacy hat, an Anna Valentine blue dress and a Jockey Club brooch.
[insert.advert]
She met retiring jockey Joe Fanning, who made a full recovery from prostate cancer at the end of last year, on the day she revealed how difficult it had been keeping the King’s cancer diagnosis a secret.
As the Queen arrived at the venue she met “unsung heroes” of the racecourse, including a member of the St John Ambulance who has volunteered for 50 years.
Photographs: Photograph:Chris Jackson / PA wire
She also met representatives from local organisations Bereaved Children Support York, Friends of Rowntree Park and racehorse re-homing charity New Beginnings.
Camilla watched from a box as the RAF Falcons display team performed a parachute display, before taking a salute.
The rain had been replaced with blue skies as she met Gold Cup-winning jockey Fanning on the pre-parade ring.
Photographs: Chris Jackson / PA wire
The 55-year-old had been honoured with a special presentation after announcing his desire to retire last month after almost 40 years.
His career had been put on hold when he was discovered to have prostate cancer, undergoing surgery earlier this year and subsequently making a full recovery.
He said he and the Queen had discussed the fact that some of her own horses would be racing at the venue later in the week, and described her as a “nice woman”.
It came on the day a short film was released by Buckingham Palace and Maggie’s cancer charity, where the Queen spoke for the first time about the difficult emotional experience of keeping the King’s cancer a secret before it was announced to the rest of the world.
Later, Camilla presented the trophy to the winner of the feature race the Juddmonte International Stakes – one of the world’s premier middle-distance races.
Photographs: Chris Jackson / PA wire
Other Stories
‘Outstanding’ York fish and chip shop to close leaving customers ‘gutted’
The Heat Broke Before the Plans Did: How York’s Evenings Have Quietly Moved Indoors
Starting nursery this September? Muddy Boots is welcoming families for a look around
Search underway for missing York woman last seen in July
Police searching for missing North Yorkshire woman say a body has been found
Woman appears in court over alleged ‘glassing’ in York city centre
Fire service receives large numbers of calls reporting neighbours for lighting outdoor fires
York charity announce full line-up for night of entertainment – including a BGT star!
Popular sports car show returns to Newby Hall this autumn
The ‘most ancient native cattle in the British Isles’ are now at Castle Howard
Thunderstorm weather warning issued for York and North Yorkshire
Historic York house on sale for £3.5m as possible hotel is sold
Nine arrested and 1kg of drugs seized as police raid addresses in Driffield and Bridlington
Scarborough teenagers ‘intimidate shop staff and swear at public’ sparking crackdown
Chainsaw and other tools stolen from York greenhouse
Crews called to fire on York street
Here’s what the average York person earns now – and how much city wages have gone up
York prepares for a royal visit as ‘unsung heroes’ take the spotlight
Star chef Ainsley entertains on visits to children’s hospice and York store
Approved: 30m-high 5G mast in York suburb
Company defends 700-body mortuary plan for York slammed as ‘absolutely appalling’
Watch: Drivers hit with penalties after police drone deployed over danger road
Have your say on polling stations in North Yorkshire
Police want to speak to teenagers after e-bike stolen from York street
Updated: Traffic eases on A64 near York after lane closure
More than 700 solar panels set to be installed on York building
Changes backed for major York shopping centre after buyout
Police informed after fire in York play park
‘York is losing its shine’ – Business owner’s dismay over state of city centre
Plans for York store transformation decided amid uncertainty over future
Emergency services called to casualty trapped in concrete tank
Updated: Three arrests and woman in hospital after violence breaks out in York city centre
Teenagers arrested after knife attack on York cycle path
Girl, 3, suffers serious head injuries in collision with car in York city centre
Updated: Crash on York Outer Ring Road cleared
TV star to judge first ever York Dog Show in the heart of the city
Updated: Crash that blocked A19 near York cleared
Image released after £8,000 of equipment stolen from vehicle in York
Major work to ‘rebuild’ York road starts today – but should end pothole misery
Scorched city: 40+ pictures of how summer heatwave has changed York
Crash jams North Yorkshire coastal road – Please avoid, say police
Large mastiff-type dog chases and bites runner in Selby
Firefighters called to smoke in York city centre business
Updated: Cordon lifted after serious incident near York landmark
Scott Lindsey expects more goals from City’s unlikely hero Harry Boyes
Watch: York return to the Football League in style with thrilling victory over Bristol Rovers
Police incident in York – Footpath cordoned off
Crash on York outer ring road – Emergency services on scene
Trains between North Yorkshire and London delayed
Pictures: Holly Johnson, ABC and Heaven 17 wow the crowds at Scarborough
