Lady Gabriella Windsor has received the public support of the royal family as she made her first major appearance since the death of her husband.
The bereaved member of the monarchy was hugged by Zara Tindall during a day at Royal Ascot after she joined the King and Queen’s traditional carriage procession.
The King and Queen are proven fans of racing and waved to the crowds when their carriage entered the parade ring where Zara and her husband, former rugby international Mike Tindall, and other guests were waiting.
The event was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 after she declared Ascot ideal for “horses to gallop at full stretch”, and has today become a major social event as much as a sporting attraction.
Royal Ascot 2023 was their first as King and Queen, and the couple – who took on Queen Elizabeth II’s thoroughbreds – watched as their horse Desert Hero won the King George V Stakes, their first winner at the famous meet as owners.
Charles and Camilla wrote: “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.
Lady Gabriella’s day out came after she was spotted behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace following the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday, when members of the royal family made a balcony appearance.
In late February, the daughter of Prince Michael of Kent was left bereaved when her husband Thomas Kingston died from a “catastrophic head injury” with a gun found close to his body.
