Royal family recap: Royals enjoy day 3 of Ascot, King to provide accommodation for Harry and family during UK visit, and more

Morning everyone, welcome to HELLO!'s Royal blog. 

I'm Sean and I'll be taking you through the Royal events of today. It's the fourth day of Royal Ascot so stay tuned for all the arrivals. 

Today is also Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward's 27th wedding anniversary. 

Princess Anne will also attend the Sailors' Children's Society Awards Presentation at Hotham Hall. 

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Princess Anne and Carole Middleton added a pop of colour to Royal Ascot this week as they both sported pink outfits.

The Princess Royal and Carole, the Princess of Wales's mother, both attended the second day of the annual Berkshire racing meet on Wednesday.

Their ensembles were both pre-loved looks, with Carole, 71, repeating the outfit she wore to her daughter Pippa Middleton's wedding to James Matthews in 2017.

Anne, who is often known as the Queen of royal recycling, has also worn her look before. Unbelievably, she first wore it 25 years ago to Royal Ascot in 2001. 

The outfit consists of an eye-catching pink button skirt suit and a matching hat with three flowers. The Princess wore the two-piece look once again to Alexandra Knatchbull's 2016 wedding to Thomas Hooper in Romsey Abbey, Hampshire. 

Despite being the King's sister, Anne appears to rarely buy new clothes, instead looking to re-wear good quality items from the past. 

Have a look at all the photos of the Princess Royal and Carole.

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Queen Camilla hailed Royal Ascot as the “Best of British” after a day at the races with Hollywood star Stanley Tucci.

The King and his wife hosted guests in the royal box and alongside the Devil Wears Prada actor and his wife Felicity Blunt were the Princess of Wales’ parents Carole and Michael Middleton and the Princess Royal and her daughter Zara Tindall. 

Camilla said “I love it” when asked by ITV Racing about the enduring appeal of world-famous Berkshire meet but lamented her luck on the track after seeing two of her horses well beaten earlier this week, saying “you can but hope”.

The Queen praised the sartorial elegance of the female racegoers, when quizzed about Royal Ascot’s charm: “Well, it’s the best of British really, isn’t it.

“I mean it doesn’t matter whether you love horses, don’t know much about horses, you come here for a really good day to experience a bit of fun, the best racing in the world, the best horses – the elegant women.

“And I think, the world we live in, it’s wonderful just to get away and enjoy yourself and that’s what Ascot does. You get the pageantry and the procession – I love it, it’s five days of pleasure.”

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Princess Leonor of Asturias took part in a training flight with her father, King Felipe VI of Spain. 

The 20-year-old royal has carried out several instruction flights as part of her training at the General Air and Space Academy (AGA) where she is completing her theoretical and practical instruction as a second lieutenant in the Air and Space Force. 

The father and daughter enjoyed a symbolic flight on Friday 19 June, with Felipe flying in an aircraft alongside his daughter. 

During 2025–26, Leonor has been flying the Pilatus PC-21 trainer, completed solo flights, flown in an F-5 training jet, and recently completed parachute training.

To achieve solo flight, Her Royal Highness the Princess of Asturias completed the corresponding theoretical training, as well as the simulator sessions and instructional flights in the Pilatus PC-21, as outlined in the training plan. 

This process has allowed her to acquire the necessary skills to safely perform the so-called "release," which took place on Thursday 18 December.

Princess Beatrice's stylist Olivia Buckingham has given birth to a baby boy. 

The 43-year-old  has been credited with helping the 37-year-old royal become one of the best-dressed in the family. 

She took to Instagram on Friday and shared a heartwarming photo of herself cradling her newborn son in a blue blanket.

Olivia captioned the photo: "A week ago my life changed forever. Thank you for making me your Mummy. I love you to the moon and stars my angel boy."

The stylist also shared a close-up photo of her son, whose name she has not revealed, and a photo of a poem called A Mother's Love.

Olivia was inundated with well wishes, including from Jamie Redknapp's wife Frida who wrote: "So precious! Congratulations you brave, strong and beautiful woman ! You have just met the love of your life."

Olivia is the great-granddaughter of Noel Croucher, who was chairman of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and she is reported to have been born in the city. According to the Daily Mail, it is not known if she has a partner.

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Another day of top racing, another royal runner! The King and Queen's hopes of a winner this week now entirely rest on his two Friday entries. 

His first chance comes in the opening 2:30pm Albany Stakes with the aptly named King's Prize. She's raced once and won once and sits around 20/1.

Their second runner, Warrant Holder in the 3:40pm Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes, has a strong chance, currently sitting at 4/1 joint-favourite. 

He's won his last two starts and will be ridden by the excellent William Buick. 

The King and Queen did have runners during the week, but their best-known recent royal success remains Desert Hero, who won the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2023. 

The horse was trained by Queen Elizabeth II and rode by jockey Tom Marquand.

Zara Tindall described the win as "bittersweet" as the late Queen wasn't there to see it.

“To think how proud and excited our grandmother would have been, the queen would have been. But to have a winner for Charles and Camilla, to keep that dream alive, was incredible. And what a race, asides all of that," she said. 

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The Prince and Princess of Wales delighted royal fans on Wednesday with a behind-the-scenes portrait from their day at Royal Ascot. 

Kate, 44, returned to the Berkshire racecourse for the first time since 2023, accompanied by her husband, Prince William, watching a day of action-packed drama from the Royal Box.  

They appeared to signal the beginning of a new tradition by sharing photos of themselves standing outside in their finery – similar to the personal portraits they often share ahead of state banquets. 

The couple shared the image to their official Instagram account and added the caption:  "A wonderful day at Royal Ascot. W & C," signifying it came directly from them. 

William and Kate did not say where the photo was taken, but eagle-eyed fans took notice of the tall double doors in the background and wondered if it was at their new Forest Lodge Home. Others speculated it could have been taken outside Windsor Castle, instead.

Read more about William and Kate's "fresh start" in Forest Lodge. 

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Zara Tindall has done it again! Looking beautiful as ever, Princess Anne's daughter donned a delightful polka dot dress for her outing at Royal Ascot day four.  

She looked fabulous in her belted Claire Mischevani number, bringing back Dalmatian print with a flattering A-line kirt and 3/4 length sleeve. 

A coordinating hat by Sally Anne Provan completed the look, and she accessorized with black pumps and a patent leather bag. 

Whether she's rocking cool shades, wearing a bold colour or going for some floral fun, her dresses over the years have become raceday talking points –  but how well do you remember them? You can find out in our fun reader game.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla were leading the Royal Ascot carriage procession once again on Friday, marking their fourth consecutive day at the racing festival. 

Despite soaring temperatures of 28°C, a high-spirited King Charles, 77, looked dashing in a top hat and yellow waistcoat as he waved to the crowds during the traditional carriage procession. 

Beside him, Queen Camilla, 78, looked elegant in a light blue ensemble reminiscent of the Princess of Wales's recent Trooping the Colour outfit.

Sharing the leading carriage were Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al Said, a prominent Saudi royal businessman, and John Warren, the late Queen Elizabeth’s longtime racing manager.

The second carriage hosted the Earl and Countess of Caledon alongside composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife, Lady Madeleine.

Other important guests at Royal Ascot, which also marked Armed Forces Day, included General Sir Roly Walker, head of the British Army, and Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon. 

While we're still on a high after our lovely afternoon at the Podcast News Awards, here's a brand new episode for you.

This week on A Right Royal Podcast, we're unpacking one of the busiest royal weeks of the year. We discuss Prince George's confirmed move to Eton College and what it means for the future King, Princess Kate's much-anticipated return to Royal Ascot, and the latest reports suggesting Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Archie and Lilibet could soon return to the UK.

Plus, behind-the-scenes insights from Garter Day at Windsor Castle, the biggest moments from Royal Ascot, developments involving the Princess of Wales, and a look at major stories from royal families across Europe.

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James, Earl of Wessex made a very rare appearance at Royal Ascot on Friday. Accompanying his mother, Duchess Sophie, to the Berkshire racecourse, the young royal was pictured wearing a top hat and getting into the spirit of things. 

Although he's a member of one of the most talked-about families, and currently 16th in line to the throne, James tends to fly under the radar, occasionally attending royal family events with his parents, includingrecently at royal relative Peter Phillips' wedding. 

His sister Lady Louise Windsor was nowhere to be seen, however. Despite being members of the royal family, James and Louise have had a relatively normal upbringing. 

"What's normal? They go to a regular school [they both attend top independent schools]," Sophie told The Sunday Times in 2020. "They go to friends for sleepovers and parties. At weekends we do lots of dog walking and stay with friends. I guess not everyone's grandparents live in a castle, but where you are going is not the important part, or who they are. When they are with the Queen, she is their grandmother."

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Princess Charlotte's wardrobe has always been classic and age-appropriate. The young royal has traditionally favored timeless pieces from boutique children's wear brands like La Coqueta, Rachel Riley, and Pepa London.

However, since turning 11 in May, a subtle shift has taken place. Charlotte has begun sporting a plethora of designer labels, most notably a stunning, bespoke off-white dress by royal favorite Alessandra Rich. The elegant creation featured a traditional collar and delicate appliqué detailing, finished with a statement bow at the neck.

Children's fashion stylist Charlotte Kewley notes that this shift reflects a natural transition. "Hers is simply a more public and polished version of what we see happening in many families," Kewley tells HELLO!.

"A lot of the children's wear brands she wore when she was younger stop at pre-teen sizing. As children get older, they naturally look for styles that feel a little more sophisticated while remaining age-appropriate."

Did you notice the subtle transition? 

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The Princess of Wales has warned that the need for "genuine human connection" has never been greater in an increasingly screen-dominated society. 

Writing in a personal essay following her visit to Reggio Emilia, an Italian city globally renowned for its innovative approach to early education, Kate emphasised that for children to truly thrive, they must be surrounded by loving, engaged environments.

"The people of Reggio Emilia have shown that happy childhoods are the foundation of happy communities, and that genuine connection begins with listening and understanding," she wrote. "In an increasingly digitalised world, where so much of life is mediated through screens, the need for genuine human connection has never been greater."

The royal's remarks come after UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent announcement of a social media ban for under-16s and the Government launching a call for evidence to help create definitive screen-time guidelines for parents.

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Prince Harry is due to bring his family to the United Kngdom next month when he returns to the country for the 2026 Invictus Games. HELLO! understands that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might end up staying at a royal residence during their visit, with Buckingham Palace extending the offer, which has previously been refused.

However, HELLO! also understands that further security arrangements haven't been made, with the issue still remaining with the Home Office.

There was no confirmation whether Harry would reunite with his father, King Charles, during his visit, but the pair did spend nearly an hour together last year, when Harry paid a flying visit to Buckingham Palace.

Charles is yet to meet his granddaughter, Princess Lilibet, in person, while Prince Archie hasn't been in the country since 2020.

Signing off after a busy day in the London office! Expect more updates from our Los Angeles Correspondent, Rebecca Lewis, tonight.

And make sure to head back to the HELLO! site on Saturday for all the coverage as Royal Ascot comes to a close. 

Good morning, afternoon or evening, wherever you're following along from! 

It's been a busy week for royals around the globe, especially in the UK where Royal Ascot has taken over. There are few events on the British social calendar quite as fabulously over-the-top; it's where sartorial spectacle meets sports, and tradition waltzes hand-in-hand with high fashion. 

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It was also a personal favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who remains the only reigning monarch to win the prestigious race in its 207-year history when her horse, Estimate, won in 2013.

This year, there was heartache for King Chares, however, as his horse placed last, but there have also been tender family moments, royal firsts, fashion revivals - and faux pas - and a lot of fabulous hats.

Read all of our coverage here.

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Our team has also been working hard on fun quizzes that really test your Ascot knowledge, and I particularly loved this insider look at the Royal Enclosure from my HELLO! colleagues.

The same week the UK government banned social media for under 16s, Princess Kate has published a powerful call for more "genuine human connection" in a digital world.

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She writes: "Last week, a parent at my children's school asked me if we could all do just one thing, what would it be? My answer is simple: to prioritise love. 

"I'm not talking about overly sentimental and romantic gestures, but love that is quiet and unconditional, built on time and patience: the joy found in ordinary things; the everyday magic of life itself."

Royal editor Emily Nash has covered the letter in full here, and writes that the essay was prompted by Kate's recent visit to Italy, where she immersed herself in the Reggio Emilia method, "a framework for raising children which emphasises the importance of the people and environment surrounding a child, the need for attuned and attentive caregivers and nature as the 'third teacher'."

Read more here.

I love this story by our very own Matthew Moore, highlighting a joy-filled moment for Princess Kate at Royal Ascot this week.

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The Princess of Wales made her first appearance at the annual event since her cancer diagnosis in 2024, and it was clear that she was enjoying herself, captured letting out a huge belly laugh.

It is Kate's first visit to the racecourse since 2023. In 2024 she understandably skipped the racing event as she underwent treatment for cancer, and in 2025 Kate canceled her appearance at the last-minute. 

The Duchess of Gloucester will turn 80 on June 20, and to celebrate has posed for three gorgeous new portrait pictures.

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She remains one of the most active working members of the British royal family, and has called charity work in Great Britain "a tradition" and "one of the major aspects which makes me very proud to be British".

"There is another facet to voluntary work which I think is very important, and that is the sense of fulfilment and reward in the knowledge of the value of your contribution as a volunteer."  

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One of the three new portraits included the Duchess' husband, Prince Richard.

The Duchess (born Birgitte Eva van Deurs Henriksen) married Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (a grandson of King George V) in July 1972. 

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Birgitte is of Danish descent, and met Richard, now 81, when she was a teenager attending finishing school in Cambridge, and Richard was a student of architecture at Magdalene College.

The couple has three children: Alexander Windsor, the Earl of Ulster, Lady Davina Windsor, and Lady Rose Gilman.