Confusion was sparked earlier on Wednesday when Royal Ascot released the names of those who would be riding in the four carriages which make up the Royal Procession. The Princess of Wales was on the list of those attending, but Kensington Palace soon issued a statement to confirm that this was not the case.
It was understood that the Princess is disappointed not to be there, but it’s all about getting the balance right with her public appearances. She revealed at the start of the year that she is now in remission but is continuing to gradually return to royal duties.
When the revised carriage list was published, there were several changes, including one of the King’s closest friends losing his place.
The updated carriage list shows that the King and Queen will ride in the first carriage with the Prince of Wales and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.
The second carriage will now carry the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as the Earl and Countess of Halifax.
Third will be author William Boyd and his wife, Susan. They will ride in the third carriage with golfer Justin Rose and his wife, Kate Phillips.
Finally, Princess Margaret’s daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband, Daniel Chatto, will ride in the fourth carriage, along with author Robert Harris and his wife and fellow author, Gill Hornby.
The original list showed the Prince and Princess of Wales riding in the second carriage along with Justin Rose and his wife, however, Prince William will now join the King, Queen and Prince Saud.
Meanwhile, another change came as Sir Winston Churchill’s grandson, Sir Nicholas Soames, Baron Soames of Fletching riding in the first carriage with the monarch.
The King and Sir Nicholas have been close for a number of years and he previously spoke about the King when he succeeded to the throne in 2022.
Speaking at the time, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “As the King said last night, as he embarks on his new responsibilities, clearly his life will change, and his views and the way that he conducts himself will observe, of course, the constitutional principles.”
He added: “He’s a very authentic and straight-forward person. What you see is what you get.”