Off to the races! Queen Camilla puts on animated display at York Racecourse

Queen Camilla put on an animated display as she attended Ebor Festival at York Racecourse today for the first time since becoming patron.

The royal, 77, cut an elegant figure in a light blue coat dress with floral embellishment.

Camilla paired her outerwear with a tan hat and opted for minimal makeup for the occasion.

The Queen completed her race day ensemble with a blush pink leather bag and nude high heels.

During today’s visit, Camilla opened the Bustardthorpe Stand, which has been designed to improve racegoers’ experience and has rainwater harvest tanks, solar panels and a living roof.

After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Camilla was taken on a tour of the grounds before taking her spot in the royal box to watch the action.

The royal – who has a lifelong love of horses – was seen holding a pair of binoculars as she paid close attention to the races.

The Queen’s facial expressions varied between utter delight and frustration as the races unfolded below.

Later, the royal will also present the trophy to the winner of the Ebor Handicap, which is the oldest race in the organisation’s history and dates back to 1843.

Today marks the first time Camilla has visited the racecourse in her capacity as royal patron – a role which used to belong to Prince Andrew.

Camilla’s engagement comes after her surprise appearance at the racecourse yesterday.

The royal was seen with William Derby – who is York Racecourse’s chief executive – and wearing her ruby, diamond and sapphire horseshoe brooch.

In 1909, the thoroughbred won the Epsom Derby – making King Edward VII the first monarch to win during their reign.

The late Queen’s fondness for horses began when she was just four after her grandfather, King George V, gave her a little Shetland pony.

By the age of six she had fallen in love with riding, becoming an accomplished equestrian in her teenage years and has continued to ride for pleasure throughout her life.

Like her late mother-in-law, Camilla is also known for her love of horses. She has even reportedly taken over the day-to-day running of the late Queen’s stables rather than the King.

John Warren, the late Queen’s Royal bloodstock and racing advisor, has previously said that it is Camilla, rather than her husband, who has the greatest passion for horses.

He said: ‘He has always followed it, but it has been his mother’s interest so it has been at arm’s length. He owns a few horses himself, in particular with the [then] Duchess of Cornwall. She is absolutely besotted by racing.’

She also has a life-long association with equestrian charities. As the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla supported the Ebony Horse Club, the British Equestrian Federation and the Brooke Hospital for Animals.

In 2013, she joined Queen Elizabeth II on a joint visit to the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, south London, where children learn to ride in an urban setting.