When is Royal Ascot 2024? Kate Middleton likely to miss it but King Charles set to attend

The late Queen Elizabeth II was a huge horse racing fan, so Royal Ascot was one of the highlights of her calendar. King Charles is expected to attend Royal Ascot 2024 alongside Queen Camilla where he is expected to honour his late mother.

Although King Charles took a step back from royal duties in February this year after being diagnosed with cancer, he returned in April, and his first public-facing engagement was at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.

 A statement was released which read: “His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.

“To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.

“In addition, The King and Queen will host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June, at the request of HM Government.

“As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.”

The Daily Mail reported that “Charles, 75, plans to spend 'at least' one day at the racing festival, and will host a lunch for a select 'bubble' of friends and family. 

Those closest to Charles regard Royal Ascot – and Trooping the Colour – as the perfect events for him to reconnect with the public.”

When is Royal Ascot 2024?

Royal Ascot 2024 begins on Tuesday 18 June and ends on Saturday 22 June.

Which royals are expected to attend Royal Ascot 2024?

Although Catherine, Princess of Wales is not expected to attend, King Charles is set to be there, alongside his wife, Queen Camilla. Members of the royal family who attended Ascot 2023 included the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Zara and Mike Tindall, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne.