James, Earl of Wessex, surprised royal watchers, making his debut on day four of Royal Ascot on Friday.
The 18-year-old son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh accompanied his royal mother at the famous racecourse. The mother-son duo were photographed enjoying time in the royal box, James wearing a black morning coat and top hat.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThe teen's blue patterned tie matched his mother Sophie's azure-hued ensemble for the day. The Duchess, 61, wore a beautiful blue dress featuring a rectangular pattern in silver and white, with a beautiful hat to match.
The outing at the racecourse marks James' first outing since the royal Easter service at St George's Chapel in Sandringham.
James is currently studying for his A-levels at Radley College, but his future plans remain unclear. HELLO!'s Online Royal Correspondent, Danielle Stacey, previously explained: "The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's children have largely grown up out of the public eye, so plans for their future education are not likely to be released in advance.
"But there's definitely a pattern for the royals to take gap years abroad before enrolling at university. Campuses in other cities are likely to afford them a greater deal of privacy than being in London, and means that they get the full student experience."
A special family member
On Thursday, James' grandfather, Christopher Rhys-Jones, accompanied his daughter, Sophie.
Christopher, who turns 95 today, enjoyed an early birthday treat as he headed to the races with his daughter and son-in-law, Prince Edward, who was also in attendance.
© Getty ImagesFans were delighted by the rare glimpse of Sophie's father, as one said: "Good that he is still going strong," while a second added: "Wow, 94 and looking great," and a third posted: "What a very smartly dressed man! Love the stripes.
Christopher regularly joins the royal family at Ascot, and he was last seen at the racing event in 2025, where, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, he was seen mingling with Princess Anne and her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
Royal Ascot day four
Temperatures were soaring on day four of the horse race. King Charles, 77, and Queen Camilla, 78, led the way in the front carriage of the traditional procession as they marked their fourth day in a row at the racecourse.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesZara Tindall looked beautiful wearing a monochrome polka-dot gown by Claire Mischevani.
