King Charles and Queen Camilla issue joint message ahead of appearance at Royal Ascot

Last year, King Charles seemed very emotional when a horse bred by his mother and the late Queen, Desert Hero, clinched victory in the King George V Stakes.

Desert Hero is set to return to Royal Ascot this year, alongside three other horses owned by the Royal Family.

In the sweet message, the King and Queen wrote: "We are delighted to welcome you to Royal Ascot for another week of spectacular racing that draws spectators and viewers from across the globe.

"Many of the winners will go on to make a significant contribution to the international bloodstock industry and we are pleased that the Royal Meeting continues to play such an important role for breeders. Long may that continue.

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"We look forward to the first running of the King Charles III Stakes, formerly the King's Stand Stakes, a race which has been won by some of the world's greatest sprinters in recent years.

"Delivering a net-zero Village Enclosure last year was a landmark in Ascot's sustainability journey which has led to a range of improvements across the site.

"The Royal Drawing School will be present on the racecourse for the first time, and it will be fascinating to see how the artists capture the essence of this unique race meeting in paintings and drawings. Some of their work will be on display for racegoers to enjoy.

"It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero's victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her late Majesty.

"We wish all the participants this week the very best of luck in seeking that unique thrill of a Royal Ascot winner.

"We also hope that those here at the racecourse and watching from home will enjoy five days of the finest racing that this sport has to offer."

The King, 75, reportedly told courtiers he wants to honour the memory of his late mother by attending this summer's Royal Ascot, despite undergoing cancer treatment.

He appeared all smiles as he attended the event alongside Camilla today.

King Charles plans to spend "at least" one day at the racing festival and will host a lunch for a select "bubble" of friends and family, according to reports.

Earlier in the year a source told The Mail: "Ascot is the perfect event for his current 'bubble'-style distancing preferences – there will be lots of fresh air and plenty of chances to be seen by royal fans who will be desperate to get a glimpse."

The couple, joined by the Duke and Duchess of Wellington, waved to the crowds in the grandstand - 500 schoolchildren from 23 schools among them - for the first of five days of racing.