Royal Ascot Opens Five-Day Festival Featuring 35 Races, King and Queen Expected

The 2025 Royal Ascot Festival, held from June 17 to 21 at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, marks the 200th anniversary of the first Royal Procession and features 35 races, including eight Group 1 contests with a total prize pot of £10 million. King Charles and Queen Camilla, both avid racing fans, are expected to participate in the traditional carriage procession and support their horse Reaching High in the Ascot Stakes, continuing the royal family's long-standing connection to the event. NBC Sports and Peacock will provide nearly 25 hours of exclusive live coverage of the Royal Meeting for American audiences, highlighting key races such as the Queen Anne Stakes and King Charles III Stakes. The festival attracts over 250,000 racegoers and millions of global viewers, blending elite sport with royal tradition and vibrant social scenes. For those unable to watch, live radio commentary is available through Paddy Power and talkSPORT 2, ensuring fans can follow every race. The event remains a central highlight of the British social and sporting calendar, showcasing elite thoroughbred competition and royal pageantry.