Royal boost for Derby as king and queen set to revive Epsom tradition
King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to attend the 247th running of the Derby on June 6, reviving a tradition that was a staple of Queen Elizabeth II's calendar for most of her reign. The late Queen attended nearly every renewal of the Classic at Epsom Downs from 1953 until the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, missing only two events during her 70 years on the throne.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to attend the 247th running of the Derby on June 6, reviving a tradition that was a staple of Queen Elizabeth II's calendar for most of her reign. The late Queen attended nearly every renewal of the Classic at Epsom Downs from 1953 until the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, missing only two events during her 70 years on the throne.
- Why It Matters
This attendance by the current monarchs is significant as it may help revitalize interest in the Derby, which has seen a notable decline in race attendance in recent years, thereby reinforcing the royal family's connection to British sporting traditions.