Epsom revellers shelter from the rain and wind as the clouds roll in on Derby day
Epsom revellers were battered by the wind and rain as they arrived at the Surrey Downs racecourse ahead of the Derby later.
Racegoers were seen sheltering under jackets, umbrellas and hats underneath grey skies on Saturday as they hurried through the usually sleepy village streets in Epsom.
After striking fashion and celebrity appearances marked a busy day of racing on Ladies Day on Friday, today it is royalty who will take centre stage.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to jet in by helicopter later to watch the culmination of today’s action – the famous Derby, set to take place from 4pm.
They will be coming straight from the wedding of Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips’ to NHS nurse Harriet Sperling in Gloucestershire this afternoon.
The couple will attend the service before hurrying across the country to catch Betfred Derby Day’s big race, reviving a long-held tradition of royal attendance.
Their Majesties are both patrons of the Jockey Club which owns and runs Epsom Downs Racecourse and the King’s late mother Queen Elizabeth II was an avid attendee of the Derby, missing the fixture only twice in her long reign.
The royal tradition is now being continued by Charles and Camilla, who visited on Oaks day in 2024 to present the Coronation Cup and will return to the famous Surrey Downs to witness its most prestigious day of racing.
Revellers laugh amid strong winds and rain at Epsom Downs racecourse today
Racegoers were seen sheltering under jackets, umbrellas and hats underneath grey skies on Saturday as they hurried through the usually sleepy village streets in Kemble ahead of the Epsom Derby
A woman hides from the rain under a white jacket as she arrives at the racecourse on Saturday
Revellers had to contend with both wind and rain on a blustery day in Surrey
Glamourous Elizabeth Day and her husband Justin Basini at the Epsom Downs Racecourse
Mary Berry arrives in pretty pink for Derby Day of the Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Model and TV personality Jodie Kidd arrives at Epsom dressed in a striped suit and striking fascinator
Nick Knowles and his wife Katie arrive for Derby Day of the Betfred Derby Festival
Tom Parker Bowles was among the famous faces to make the trip to Epsom for today’s Derby
Epsom’s general manager Jim Allen said: ‘We are honoured and thrilled the King and Queen will be joining us at Epsom Downs on Derby day.
‘Their Majesties show great enthusiasm, interest and support for horseracing in the UK and their attendance next week will be a proud moment for all of the team here and everyone connected with the racecourse.
‘Derby day provides joy and entertainment to millions of people around the world as one of Britain’s most famous and iconic events, and royal attendance has been synonymous with the meeting for generations.
‘We are delighted that Their Majesties will be continuing this tradition next week.’
The King and Queen’s appearance at the prestigious race – first run in 1780 – will come just over a week before Royal Ascot begins.
Early on Saturday celebs including Mary Berry, Claire Sweeney and Jodie Kidd flocked to the racecourse ahead of a packed schedule of racing.
It is hoped the presence of royalty will give the event a much-needed boost amid declining visitor numbers to the two-day festival.
Racegoers dressed in elegant shin length maxi dresses are pictured at Epsom racecourse
The wind and rain didn’t stop the fashion show for some today
Robert Rinder and his mother Angela Cohen are seen outside Epsom Downs racecourse
Racegoers hold onto their hats amid strong winds and blustery conditions at the course
Racegoers attempt to use an umbrella to shield themselves from the winds during Derby Day
A reveller’s hair and beer are blown by the wind during the Epsom festival on Saturday
A racegoer reads a newspaper as he awaits the start of the racing programme on Derby day
Early racegoers smile as they take their places for a day of racing
Racegoers clutch onto their hats at Epsom today – the rain and wind is set to continue throughout the day
Entertainers at the entrance to Epsom Downs racecourse as revellers arrive on Derby Day
ITV Racing presenter Francesca Cumani shelters under an umbrella as she arrives at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Last year Derby Day drew just over 22,000 visitors – well down on its heyday in the early 2000s, when numbers would regularly exceed 40,000.
Yesterday thousands descended on the racecourse including a host of famous faces including Lottie Moss and Charlotte Hawkins.
But the fierce fashion on display has taken a backseat to the weather so far on Derby day – and things aren’t expected to improve, with forecasts suggesting it will rain throughout the races and into the evening.
The climax of the day, the Derby itself, kicks off at 4pm and has a prize pot worth £1.25million.
Fourteen horses will take part in the course, which runs for 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards – or 1.5 miles, with an undulating route including an overall climb equivalent to the height of Nelson’s column.
Last year the race was won by Lambourn, an Irish thoroughbred trained by Aidan O’Brien.
