King Charles and Queen Camilla returned to Royal Ascot on June 18 for the third day of the famous race meeting, this time with an unexpected name in the royal procession. Actor Stanley Tucci and his wife, Felicity Blunt, took part in the carriage arrival at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, joining senior royals and family friends for the occasion. According to People, the King and Queen rode in the first horse-drawn carriage, while Tucci and Blunt traveled in the fourth alongside Lord and Lady Cavendish.
Stanley Tucci Joins the Royal Procession
Tucci, 65, was part of a wider royal turnout that also included Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Zara Tindall. His appearance stood out because the actor has crossed paths with the King and Queen several times in recent months. The carriage procession is one of the most closely watched parts of the event, blending royal protocol with social prestige. Tucci’s place in the lineup signaled a warm connection with the royal household rather than a one-off guest spot.
Highgrove Dinner Linked Charles and Tucci
The bond between the monarch and the actor stretches back to February 2025, when Tucci and Blunt were guests at Highgrove House for a U.K.-Italy dinner ahead of the royal couple’s Italy trip. The gathering celebrated Slow Food and Slow Fashion, with a palace statement noting that the Tucci in Italy host “inspired” the menu for the night. The guest list also included David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Helen Mirren, Donatella Versace and Italian Ambassador Inigo Lambertini, placing Tucci in a high-profile royal circle.
Queen Camilla Meets Carole Middleton in Berkshire
Day three, often called Ladies’ Day, also brought another notable royal-adjacent moment. Queen Camilla was seen chatting with Carole Middleton in the Royal Enclosure, while Carole later spent time in the Royal Box with the King, Zara Tindall and Sophie. The social side of the races remains central to the week, with public appearances, carriage arrivals and box seating all carrying meaning. As reported by People, King Charles and Queen Camilla have attended every day of the event so far this year.
Zara Tindall and Camilla Lead Day Three Looks
The third day also delivered a polished visual display from the royal party. Zara Tindall wore a buttercream outfit, while Queen Camilla chose pale lime with a matching hat. Their appearances fit neatly into the long-running pageantry tied to Ascot, where dress codes and presentation are part of the tradition. The races have been a fixture of the royal summer calendar for generations, and King Charles has continued that commitment. The late Queen Elizabeth II’s deep connection to Ascot still hangs over the week, given her 24 winning racehorses there.
