King Charles and Queen Camilla to revive Royal tradition with Derby return

Queen Camilla and King Charles will be attending Epsom Derby today along with huge crowds to enjoy a day of first-class racing that punters can watch for free

Claudia Trotman Assistant Showbiz Editor

09:08, 06 Jun 2026

Charles and Camilla will make their return (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

And theyre off! After the roaring success of Ladies Day, King Charles and Queen Camilla are making their grand return to the Epsom Derby.

Both Their Majesties are Honorary Members of The Jockey Club and the event is a family affair. Queen Elizabeth only missed two Derbys since the start of her reign until the COVID-19 pandemic - once in 1956 when on a state visit to Sweden and in 1984 when attending the 40th anniversary of D-Day commemoration in France. Carrying on tradition, the monarchs will be spectating from their Royal Box next to the finishing post.

Joining them, the course is expected to welcome more punters than ever. Historic Epsom is expecting more than 60,000 people to enjoy the meet this year after a drop in attendance in 2025.

[Thundering On pulls away from Legacy Link at Epsom]

Day one of the festival was a roaring success (Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

One of Britains best racecourses has upped the stakes with an initiative to welcome more through the gates.

Punters can watch the event completely free from The Hill just a stones throw away from the track.

To round off the day, Epsom will be home to Derbyfest where punters can watch a concert from the Hill for free. Alongside this, several bap and ice cream vans will keep everyone full alongside a pint.

But the fun doesnt stop there, with a full on fair in action From Waltzers to hook a duck.

Forget getting on a plane the sun is shining on Epsom this weekend. Just across the track sits Ocean Beach Ibiza, bringing a taste of Balearics to Surreys doorstep.

[epsom ladies day]

Ladies will dress up for the occasion (Image: Mike Egerton for The Jockey Club/PA Wire)

The amazing frocks arent just for ladies day either, with the lads and lasses putting their best foot forward. The biggest and original race in the world is sure to be a hit.

The Derby, taking place at 4pm, is the joint richest race run in Britain, with prize money at 2 million this year.

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Benvenuto Cellini looks a firm favourite, with Ryan Moore taking the ride.

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: Derby Day provides joy and entertainment to millions of people around the world as one of Britains most famous and iconic events, and Royal attendance has been synonymous with the meeting for generations. We are delighted that Their Majesties will be continuing this tradition.

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