Princess Eugenie read to schoolchildren as she promoted Queen Camilla’s late brother’s elephant conservation charity.

The King’s niece, 33, chatted with children from Garden House School at Elephant Family’s Little Egg Hunt in Sloane Square, London, on Thursday.

The conservation charity Elephant Family was founded in 2003 by Her Majesty’s late brother Mark Shand.

The royal called Mark “a dear friend” and said she became involved with the event because the charity is close to her family’s heart.

With a subtle nod to the Queen, Eugenie said: ‘It was so important to be here because I have been working with the Elephant Family for so many years and they are a charity that is so close to my heart, close to the heart of my family. .

‘Mark Shand, who founded the charity, was a dear friend and what they do to save elephants and raise awareness of what is going on is so important for the world to know.

‘The legacy they’ve created and the excitement around hunting for eggs or bamboo elephants in Hyde Park, it brings elephants to London that I’ve never seen before, bridging the gap with what’s happening in the wild, which you might don’t see every day, can actually come to a city so we can learn what’s happening.’

The Easter egg hunt and art installation is a celebration of art, philanthropy and Easter, presented by the royal charity and Clarence Court eggs.

From March 20 to April 14, egg sculptures will be spread throughout the Chelsea neighborhood.

People will see the large-scale egg sculptures that have been creatively conceived and each designed by some of the world’s most notable artists in design and architecture, including Anya Hindmarch, Philip Colbert, Charlotte Colbert, Dan Baldwin, James McQueen, Bellerby Globe, Natasha Kumar, Lily Lewis, Allegra Hicks, Rebecca Campbell, Rob Ryan and Rob and Nick Carter.

The charity hopes to raise awareness of crucial conservation issues and is on a mission to raise money for projects on the ground.

The organization was founded in 2003 by Mark, who died in 2014 after slipping and hitting his head while leaving a £1 million fundraiser in New York for his elephant charity.

In 2020, Elephant Family joined forces with the British Asian Trust in a new philanthropic partnership dedicated to supporting Asia’s wildlife.

The charity supports a wide range of projects that find ways for people and animals to live closer together – from securing a network of wildlife corridors that act as bridges between islands of forests, to relocating busy highways that pass through old-growth forests to cut.

It comes after the mother-of-two looked chic and sophisticated in a white wrap coat, which she wore with an oatmeal midi dress at the Cheltenham festival last week.

The 33-year-old was pictured in a sleek white fedora and carrying a structured handbag with gold hardware that perfectly matched the tone of her dress.

The royal completed her look with a pair of tan suede boots and minimal gold hoops.

When she arrived at the racecourse, Eugenie posed for photos with her husband Jack Brooksbank, who was dressed in a light gray suit and green tie.

Lockdown baby Lucas Tindall is often pictured putting on an adorable performance while petting horses with his horse-obsessed mother, Zara.

But it turns out that Lucas, three today, looks like his parents in more ways than one…

Father and former England rugby player Mike Tindall earned himself the title of ‘cool, fun uncle’ at the platinum anniversary celebrations as he donned a matching beige suit and entertained an unruly Prince Louis.

But he is also known for his characterful facial expressions and it seems he has passed on his frown to his youngest son.

As the pair cheered on Zara at the Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials in Norfolk last year, young Lucas’s furrowed brow and concerned look bore an uncanny resemblance to his father.

Mike and his wife Zara, the niece of King Charles III, share three children – Mia, ten, Lena, five, and Lucas, three – who became 24th in line to the throne after Princess Eugenie announced she is expecting a baby in the summer .

Meanwhile, Mike announced the birth of their youngest child on The Good, The Bad and the Rugby podcast and called his wife a “warrior” after she had to give birth to Lucas on the bathroom floor of their home on the Gatcombe Park estate. .

The couple organized childcare for Mia and Lena after Zara had contractions the night before but they didn’t have time to get to the hospital.

Mike recalled, “He was run into the gym, get a mat, go to the bathroom, towels down, brace brace brace!”

‘Luckily the midwife who was supposed to meet us at the hospital wasn’t that far away, so she drove up, got there exactly as we had assumed the position, and then the second midwife arrived just after the head had arrived!’

When asked how Zara was doing, he replied: ‘As any man will say, she was a warrior, as always. They always are.

“We can never judge a woman by what they go through during labor, so… no, she was awake again, we took him for a walk this morning, and yeah, all good.”

But Mike said she was in so much pain she ‘almost choked me to death’ when speaking about Lucas’ birth during his appearance on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022.

The proud dad revealed that as soon as Lucas was born, he immediately took him downstairs to watch a ‘ridiculously old’ rugby match between Bath and Wigan.

Zara and Mike were the first royals to openly talk about their two miscarriages after the birth of their eldest daughter in 2014.

Speaking about her experience to The Sunday Times in 2018, Zara said the hardest part of her first miscarriage was telling the world because news of the pregnancy had been made public.

She explained: ‘In our case it was something that was really rare; it was nature saying, “This one isn’t right.” I had to go through the labor because it was already so far along.”

The royal couple first met at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia and have been married since 2011.

Mike candidly discussed their first date on I’m A Celeb, saying: ‘First real date, just went for lunch locally. And it ended up being quite drunk. Then we discovered that we both enjoy being spanked. It was a good start.

He recalled: ‘I was at the World Cup, she was watching. I was dropped from the semi-finals.

‘I was exhausted so I went for a beer with another guy who was being dropped off and a guy who was passing [in Sydney]. They had met her before, they introduced us and we started talking.’

The couple live at Zara’s mother, Princess Anne’s, Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire – which was bought as a wedding gift for the princess by her mother, the late Queen.

Anne and her ex-husband, Captain Mark Phillips, moved in 1977 and raised their two children Zara and her older brother Peter on the estate.

The world was captivated by the royal wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986.

But what was once described as a fairytale romance between fiery redhead Sarah and the man of her dreams would ultimately end in heartbreak.

The couple first met when Princess Diana invited Sarah to dinner at Windsor Castle and sat her next to the prince.

A whirlwind romance followed and the two married at Westminster Abbey on July 23.

Sarah had only one request at the time: that they could always be together.

But Andrew, a serving naval officer, was sent back to sea just two weeks after their wedding.

It is thought that cracks began to appear early in their relationship.

Fergie revealed that they only saw each other 40 days a year during the first five years of their marriage.

“I spent my entire first pregnancy alone,” Sarah later told Harper’s Bazaar about Andrew’s absence. “When Beatrice was born, Andrew was given ten days’ shore leave.”

The couple legally separated in early 1992. However, they continued to present a united front with their daughters, who were pictured together at the Royal Windsor Horse Show a few days later.

In August of that year the situation became more complicated. Sarah was photographed on holiday in St Tropez with her financial advisor John Bryan.

While the pair went on holiday together, intimate photos were taken of the American businessman appearing to kiss the topless Duchess’s toes.

When the news broke, Fergie was on summer holiday at Balmoral Castle with the Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Andrew.

It was said that Queen Elizabeth was mortified and that Fergie’s relationship with father-in-law Prince Philip was forever destroyed.

The Daily Mail later wrote that Philip didn’t even want to be in the same room as Sarah anymore, insisting she had brought ‘shame’ to the whjole family.

Their divorce was officially finalized four years later on May 30, 1996, but by that point the Duchess was already estranged from the royal family following her scandal.

After the divorce, she told Harper’s Bazaar:

‘I wanted to work; It’s not right for a royal princess to be commercial, so Andrew and I decided to make the divorce official so I could go to work.”

Some reports at the time suggested she was waiting for a bigger divorce settlement.

However, Sarah denied these claims, stating that all she wanted was to be on good terms with Andrew’s family again, especially the late Queen.

Although it has been almost thirty years since their divorce, the Duke and Duchess have remained friends over the years.

They raised Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie together and Fergie still lives at Prince Andrew’s home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.

It seems like the couple spent more time together than they had in the ten years they were actually married.

And the couple regularly goes on holiday with their daughters.

Sarah previously told The Daily Mail: ‘We are the happiest divorced couple in the world. We are separated, not apart.”

Discussing their wedding day and their ongoing relationship, she added, “July 23, 1986 was the happiest day of my life. Andrew is the best man I know. What he is doing for Britain is incredible; no one knows how hard he works for his country.

“My duty is to him. I am so proud of him. I support him and always will. The way we are is our fairy tale.

‘Even though we are not a couple, we really believe in each other. The Yorks are a united family. We showed it.’

By Claire Cisotti

Published: 04:56 EDT, March 17, 2024 | Updated: 6:57 AM EDT, March 17, 2024

Prince William joked today that his wife Kate ‘is the arty one’, as he carried out a royal visit three days after she apologised for editing her Mother’s Day photograph.

The Prince of Wales was mocking his lack of creativity as he decorated biscuits with children in a training kitchen while opening a youth charity facility in West London.

In a comment likely to raise eyebrows amid the ongoing future at the Princess of Wales, William said: ‘My wife is the arty one. Even my children are artier than me.’

It comes as Kate was said to be distraught by criticism over the picture editing row, which has seen her criticised around the world and the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency comparing Kensington Palace to North Korea and Iran today.

William also told youngsters at the OnSide Youth Zone in Hammersmith and Fulham that his son Prince Louis ‘loves sprinkles, so I’m going to put some more on here’.

The Prince continued: ‘How’s that? Alright? It’s remotely edible. Not quite as good as yours, but it’ll do. In the couple of minutes I got to do it.’

And he played basketball and celebrated successfully shooting a hoop after four failed attempts at the site, which is called West (‘Where Everyone Sticks Together’).

William was escorted by Kevin McGrath, Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham who represents the monarch at official events locally.

Later, William and his estranged brother Prince Harry will both separately take part in a ceremony paying tribute to their late mother at the Diana Legacy Award.

William will attend the event at the Science Museum in London in person, where he is set to give a speech to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary and present awards.

Harry, 39, will then join a video call with the 20 winners – although it is understood that his involvement will only take place after William, 41, has left the ceremony.

Other royals on engagements today included Prince Edward and Sophie who attended the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham. 

It comes as William and Kate continue to face intense scrutiny after the Princess publicly apologised and confessed to digitally editing a family portrait taken by her husband and released by Kensington Palace to mark Mother’s Day last Sunday.

On Monday, Kate publicly took the blame for the manipulated family photograph released by Kensington Palace as she issued a personal apology for the ‘confusion’.

Kate said sorry with a statement on social media which read: ‘Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.

‘I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.’

The photograph of Kate and her children, taken by William, was the first to be issued since the princess’s abdominal surgery and was released by the Palace to mark Mother’s Day.

It was issued in part to quell conspiracy theories about Kate, who had not been seen at a royal event since Christmas Day or after her surgery.

But it was withdrawn with a ‘Kill’ notice by international picture agencies hours later, and the UK’s PA news agency on Monday, because of suspicions it had been manipulated.

The saga intensified speculation concerning Kate, her health and her whereabouts, and raised questions over whether images released by Kensington Palace could be trusted.

Royal sources said the Princess made ‘minor adjustments’ and that Kate and the William wanted to offer an informal picture of the family together for Mother’s Day.

Kate was later spotted leaving Windsor in a car with William as he was driven to the Commonwealth Day service. The princess was not attending the service, but was understood to have a private appointment.

Despite calls for the original to be published, Kensington Palace said it would not be reissuing the unedited photograph of Kate and her children.

The Palace has faced growing pressure over the debacle with the controversy branded damaging to the public’s trust of the royal family .

Concerns were raised over a missing part of Princess Charlotte ‘s sleeve and the misaligned edge of her skirt, with other speculation including the positioning of Kate’s zip.

The picture was released to reassure the public amid escalating conspiracy theories online over the state of Kate’s health in recent weeks, but in an extraordinary turn of events sparked what is being dubbed ‘Kategate’ and even ‘Sleevegate’.

William and Kate have an established track record of issuing their own photographs, often taken by Kate rather than William, to mark special occasions including their children’s birthdays.

But the Princess’s confession has raised questions over whether – or to what extent – the images have been altered in the past.

Sky News said an examination of the photo’s meta data revealed it was saved in Adobe Photoshop twice on an Apple Mac on Friday and Saturday and the picture was taken on a Canon Camera.

Under the licensing agreement issued to photo agencies for use of official royal photos, Royal Households usually stipulate: ‘This image must not be digitally enhanced, cropped, manipulated or modified in any manner or form.’

Kate had surgery at the London Clinic on January 16, but details of her condition have been kept private, and she is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter .

While the fallout from the picture continued, William was back on royal duties today as he arrived in White City at 11am to visit West, the new purpose-built youth facility that will soon be available to young people in the area.

Kensington Palace said the site, which was given its name by local young people, will be staffed by youth workers who will ‘support young people from across West London to develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve their dreams’.

The West Youth Zone, which is a newly formed local independent charity, has facilities including a sports hall, fitness suite, indoor climbing wall, teaching kitchen and a performing arts studio.

There will also be a café which will serve hot meals costing no more than £1. 

It is also part of an education hub known as EdCity, which was developed by education charity Ark alongside Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

This centre will also include a new school, nursery, adult education centre and affordable housing.

West has been developed by OnSide, which the Palace described as a ‘national youth centre charity whose mission is to empower young people to lead positive, fulfilling lives by providing access to state-of-the-art spaces and exceptional, life-changing youth work in areas where they are needed the most’.

There are 14 Youth Zones in the UK OnSide network including in Bolton, Manchester, Wigan and across London – with seven more set to open over the next two years in areas such as Bristol, Grimsby, Preston and Essex.

In 2021, the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited OnSide’s Wolverhampton Youth Zone, ‘The Way’.

During today’s visit, William spent time speaking to pupils from Ark White City primary school and West’ Young People’s Development Group who were involved in shaping the design and facilities in the new centre.

He toured the Youth Zone, meeting young people using the four-court indoor sports hall before seeing a teaching kitchen.

William also celebrated the launch of the Youth Zone with a plaque unveiling it ahead of its official opening next month on April 21, when it will be available seven days a week.

Later, Harry and William will both separately take part in the Diana Legacy Award ceremony.

It comes as the royal brothers have continued to distance themselves from each other in recent months.

The pair did not meet when Harry spent time with the King at Clarence House following news of his cancer diagnosis last month.

In an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, Harry said ‘I love my family’ and that he was ‘grateful’ to be able to spend around 45 minutes with Charles when he flew back to the UK.

Harry published his controversial memoir Spare last year, in which he accused William of pushing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan Markle.

It was also claimed William teased Harry about his panic attacks.

Further tensions between the royal brothers can be traced back to the early period of Harry’s relationship with wife Meghan, when his then fiancee had a falling out with the Princess of Wales in the run-up to their wedding.

The Diana Award was set up to promote the Princess’s belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better.

Both William and Harry presented the inaugural legacy awards at St James’ Palace in 2017.

Dr Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Award, told The Times: ‘It’s a privilege to have the support of both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex – particularly as we mark our 25th anniversary year.’

A spokesman for the award also told The Telegraph that Harry will be a ‘key part’ of the celebration.

‘He is scheduled to speak with the award recipients, virtually, on the evening of the awards to celebrate their accomplishments,’ he said.

Yesterday, the King appeared full of cheer during an audience with Baroness Scotland at Buckingham Palace.

Charles, who has met the Commonwealth secretary-general on many occasions, welcomed his guest to the Private Audience Room for the in-person meeting.

The 75-year-old monarch, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, is continuing with his head of state duties including face-to-face audiences despite not carrying out official engagements in public. 

He was photographed chuckling and giving a wide smile as he shook Baroness Scotland’s hand.

The King is Head of the Commonwealth but this week missed the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, although his pre-recorded video message was played to the congregation.

Queen Camilla and William attended the service along with other royals including Princess Anne.

Also yesterday, Camilla spent a day at the races as she attended the Cheltenham Festival.

Anne was also among the royal party as were Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank, and Camilla’s friend and official Queen’s Companion, Lady Sarah Keswick.

Spotted in the parade ring before the start of a race was former army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as Harry’s mentor, playing the role of a supportive big brother figure for him after the death of Diana.

 

Queen Camilla showcased her fashion prowess as she led royals attending the Cheltenham Festival’s ‘Style Wednesday’ today.

The King’s wife, 76, looked effortlessly elegant in a green Anna Valentine coat teamed with a vibrant floral scarf and a fake fur-trimmed hat from Lock & Co as she stepped out to enjoy a day at the races at the Gloucestershire racecourse.

She was joined for the prestigious Day Two of the four-day festival, previously referred to as Ladies Day, by her son Tom Parker-Bowles, Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Anne and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. 

Shortly after their arrival, Zara, 42, and her former rugby international ace husband Mike, 45, exchanged a quick kiss on the lips before the King’s niece walked off with her cousin Eugenie, 33. 

The Queen, who is a keen horse racing fan, joined other close relatives, including daughter Laura Lopes and her husband Harry, alongside Camilla’s nephew Sir Ben Elliot, at the biggest week in the jump racing calendar.

Known to love a flutter on the horses, the Queen took her place in the royal box after arriving at the Cheltenham racecourse and walking past racegoers who stopped to watch her pass.

The Queen – who is a regular at the occasion and an honorary member of the Jockey Club which runs the major sporting event – made an appearance without King Charles, 75, since he is still having treatment for cancer. 

Also among the guests in the royal box were Eugenie and husband Jack, and Camilla’s friend and official Queen’s Companion, Lady Sarah Keswick.

For the outing, Camilla wore an Anna Valentine ensemble – brown suede skirt, matching leopard print shirt and a dark green cashmere coat, with a wide brimmed Lock & Co hat.

Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, the Queen finished off her sophisticated look with a pair of gold and diamond earrings, as well as a shimmering brooch.

Equestrian Zara, 42, opted for an elegant blue pinstripe double-breasted suit jacket with matching straight-leg trousers. The mother-of-three wore a silk burnt orange high necked blouse, leather gloves and a burgundy croc-effect handbag. She completed her ensemble with minimal gold jewellery and a chic burgundy suede fascinator. 

Zara’s mother Princess Anne, 73, another racing enthusiast, was also present at the racecourse, and donned a tweed, button-up coat paired with a camel hat and a nude scarf to protect from the chill. 
Mike Tindall’s dapper navy suit perfectly complemented his wife’s ensemble as he opted for a pop of colour with a burgundy tie. Shortly after they arrived Mike and Zara, who aren’t afraid of a little PDA, shared a quick kiss before Zara headed off with Eugenie.

Mother-of-two Eugenie looked chic and sophisticated in a white wraparound coat, which she wore over an oatmeal midi dress. 

The 33-year-old was pictured in a sleek white fedora and holding a structured handbag with gold hardware that perfectly matched the tone of her dress. 

The royal finished off her look with some tan suede boots and minimal gold hoops. 

As she arrived at the racecourse, Eugenie posed for pictures with her husband Jack Brooksbank – who was dressed in a light grey suit and green tie.

Also present at Style Wednesday were Queen Camilla’s ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles and their children Tom and Laura Lopes, plus Camilla’s nephew Ben Elliott.

Mark Dyer, who is a close friend of Prince Harry and has previously been dubbed the Duke’s ‘second dad’ due to their close relationship, was also in attendance. 

The right royal day out at Cheltenham racecourse comes after a busy day of engagements on Monday to mark Commonwealth Day.

Members of the royal family, led by Camilla and William, descended upon Westminster Abbey to take part in the annual service, before the Queen continued the festivities at Marlborough House in Pall Mall in the evening. 

Charlotte Hawkins, Jade Holland Cooper, Aston Villa and England footballer Tyrone Mings and magician and gameshow presenter Stephen Mulhern were among the other famous famous at today’s event. 

The second day of the race meet, which has long been fondly referred to as Ladies Day, has now been branded as Style Wednesday by festival organisers, and includes a fashion competition for both men and women.

Open to both men and women, the competition ‘celebrates vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces’.

A spokesperson for Cheltenham Racecourse said: ‘This year we re-launched day two of The Festival as Style Wednesday to celebrate “fast horses, slow fashion”, encouraging racegoers to make more sustainable fashion choices, showcasing their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.

‘This includes re-wearing outfits they already have in their wardrobes, purchasing timeless garments to wear again and again and also buying from retailers specialising in pre-loved clothing.’ 

Commenting on the change, The Daily Mail’s Nadine Dorries said in her latest column: ‘I looked at the programme and saw, with no fanfare or warning, that Ladies Day at Cheltenham appears to have been downgraded to Style Wednesday.

‘I’m assuming this is some sort of woke nod from the Jockey Club to the powerful trans lobby.

‘If that’s the case, the Jockey Club might like to consider who exactly will be attending – and who it is they are now offending.’

The second day of the four-day festival hasn’t officially been labelled Ladies Day since 2018; last year it was billed as Festival Wednesday.

But fans on X were equally disappointed with the move to rebrand the second day as ‘Style Wednesday’, with one person writing: ‘Who on earth gets paid to come up with this nonsense? Oh for the days when racing was felt worthy enough on its own.’

Another said: ‘Style Wednesday? Jesus wept. It’s Ladies Day,’ while a third added: ‘Game is in the gutter.’

A fourth insisted: ‘Style Wednesday, how absolutely embarrassing’, as a fifth individual wrote: ‘Styles Wednesday, is this a joke?’

‘End of an era as Ladies Day at Cheltenham Festival is no more. We now have Style Day on a Wednesday. I assume that is to be more inclusive,’ one person wrote, while another simply said: ‘Box-ticking.’

The Jockey Club’s website describes today’s Slow Fashion Awards as an event that will ‘celebrate vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces that can be passed down through generations.

‘We encourage all racegoers to showcase their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family, and on social media.

‘The awards are open to both men and women, and we can’t wait to see the incredible fashion on display!’

Extravagant headpieces, thigh-skimming hemlines and sky-high heels were in vogue for Cheltenham’s Style Wednesday today.

The second day of the race meet, which has long been fondly referred to as Ladies Day, marked their first Style Wednesday today, with a fashion competition for both men and women 

Day two of the prestigious four-day event is known for attracting a host of royals and celebrities alike as they show off their sartorial prowess while enjoying a day out at the races in Gloucestershire.

One racegoer commanded attention in a sunshine yellow blazer and feather headpiece.

While another ensured all eyes were on her in a silky kimono with dragon print, corset and bow hat.

Well-heeled guests included Queen Camilla and her son, Tom Parker-Bowles, who were sure to enjoy the festivities. 

Camilla stunned in a bottle green coat and fur hat.

Meanwhile,   Zara and Mike Tindall, as well as Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank were also in attendance.  

Charlotte Hawkins and Jade Holland Cooper were among other guests at the event. 

While the event is no longer known as Ladies Day, it’s clear revellers still make the same amount of effort. 

Some excited racegoers even start planning their outfits for the popular occasion six or so months in advance. 

The famous event that was once called Ladies Day has been ‘downgraded’ to Style Wednesday, with the Jockey Club, which runs 15 courses across the UK, also ditching the Best Dressed competition.

Instead, the day now includes the Slow Fashion awards, open to both men and women, which ‘celebrates vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces’.

A spokesperson for Cheltenham Racecourse said: ‘This year we re-launched day two of The Festival as Style Wednesday to celebrate “fast horses, slow fashion”, encouraging racegoers to make more sustainable fashion choices, showcasing their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.

‘This includes re-wearing outfits they already have in their wardrobes, purchasing timeless garments to wear again and again and also buying from retailers specialising in pre-loved clothing.’ 

Commenting on the change, The Daily Mail’s Nadine Dorries said in her latest column: ‘I looked at the programme and saw, with no fanfare or warning, that Ladies Day at Cheltenham appears to have been downgraded to Style Wednesday.

‘I’m assuming this is some sort of woke nod from the Jockey Club to the powerful trans lobby.

‘If that’s the case, the Jockey Club might like to consider who exactly will be attending – and who it is they are now offending.’ 

The second day of the four-day festival hasn’t officially been labelled Ladies Day since 2018; last year it was billed as Festival Wednesday.

But fans on X were equally disappointed with the move to rebrand the second day as ‘Style Wednesday’, with one person writing: ‘Who on earth gets paid to come up with this nonsense? Oh for the days when racing was felt worthy enough on its own.’

Another said: ‘Style Wednesday? Jesus wept. It’s Ladies Day,’ while a third added: ‘Game is in the gutter.’

The only exceptions to the new policy at any of the 342 fixtures staged by The Jockey Club is offensive fancy dress or offensive clothing of any kind and replica sports shirts. 

Traditional morning dress or formal day wear is also still required in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand on Derby Day.

Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive at The Jockey Club, said: ‘Horseracing has always been a sport enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds and it’s really important to us to be accessible and inclusive.

‘We hope that by no longer placing an expectation upon people of what they should and shouldn’t wear we can help highlight that racing really is for everyone.

‘For those who visit our venues, a day at the races is all about spending quality leisure time with friends and family and we believe people enjoy themselves best when they feel relaxed. A major part of that is wearing clothing which you are comfortable in.

‘For those who visit our venues, a day at the races is all about spending quality leisure time with friends and family and we believe people enjoy themselves best when they feel relaxed. A major part of that is wearing clothing which you are comfortable in.

‘So, when we reviewed this area of the raceday experience, it has been clear to us that enforcing a dress code seems rather outdated in the 21st Century in the eyes of many of our racegoers.

‘Of course that doesn’t mean we are discouraging people from dressing up for a day at the races if they want to. 

‘This is about giving people a choice and the opportunity to come racing dressed however they feel most comfortable and confident, while also bearing in mind the challenges regularly presented by the British weather.

In the past, entry into some enclosures has required the wearing of a jacket and tie while sporting trainers has also been frowned upon.

Truesdale added that the new rules should remove any ‘ambiguity or uncertainty’ about how people had to dress at the track.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the biggest race of the week which holds one of the biggest prize pots in the sport.

Princess Eugenie has called her mother Sarah Ferguson an ‘inspiration for women’ when she interviewed her for Mother’s Day.

Addressing her as ‘Mum’, Eugenie said the Duchess of York, popularly known as ‘Fergie’, is a ‘huge inspiration’ to her, her sister Beatrice and her friend Julia de Boinville, with whom she runs her charity, founded the Anti-Slavery Collective. .

In a video for the Anti-Slavery Collective, she said: “Your goal has always been to influence people around the world, and it has been such an inspiration to me growing up.

“You are truly an inspiration as a mother and as a leader,” she added.

In a close chat, Fergie said she was ‘so proud’ of her daughters and that she loved her grandchildren but sees her children as ‘hers’.

Prince Andrew’s ex-wife added that her late mother-in-law, the Queen, was the “most special woman” she ever met.

“She had such humility, such kindness, such strength. She always let other people talk and have their moment.

‘She didn’t judge, she waited.

“I often asked her, ‘What do you actually do?’ and she said, “I’m always the chairman, never the CEO.”

She added that Nelson Mandela, Maria Montessori and Mother Teresa were among the other inspiring people she met in her life.

The video comes just days after Princess Eugenie shared a collection of never-before-seen snaps of herself with her mother, sister and late grandmother to mark International Women’s Day.

The royal, 33, today posted to her Instagram account several photos of herself with Sarah Ferguson, 64, Princess Beatrice, 35, and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

‘Happy International Women’s Day! Taking a moment to celebrate some of the incredible women in my life, while I am so proud to raise boys so they can celebrate the women in their lives,” Eugenie wrote.

The heartfelt post includes unseen photos with her mother and sister, taken at the opening gala of her charity, the Anti-Slavery Collective, at Battersea Arts Center in south London.

Another photo shows a beaming Princess Eugenie sitting on a sun-drenched sofa next to Queen Elizabeth, who is wearing a traditional Scottish kilt.

In a black and white photo, Sarah wraps her daughters in a warming hug as they all grin at the camera.

Another image from Princess Eugenie’s childhood shows the royal smile next to her mother and sister during a family outing.

Elsewhere, all three women are bundled up in padded coats and woolen hats as they enjoy a boat ride in a mountainous setting.

In addition, there are two heartwarming photos of Eugenie with her mother Sarah – one taken at the Anti-Slavery Collective’s opening gala last November, and the other shows the pair in a loving embrace several years earlier.

Meanwhile, a photo of Eugenie and Beatrice shows the duo posing against the backdrop of a beautiful pink sunset.

It comes after Princess Eugenie was caught smiling as she left a restaurant in central London on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old royal appeared to be alone in the photos, which were taken outside a Mayfair eatery.

Eugenie, a mother of two, was casual but stylish in her ensemble, which was put together to combat the end of winter breeze.

She wore a navy blue knee-length dress with an abstract big cat print, a high neckline and a bottom layer.

By Maria Chiorando for Mailonline

Published: 11:59 EST, March 6, 2024 | Updated: 12:03 EST, March 6, 2024

The Duchess of York appeared to say some words of wisdom to Christian Horner as they caught up at the Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday.

The 50-year-old Red Bull boss was at the center of a scandal this week after flirtatious WhatsApp messages he apparently sent to a female colleague were leaked online – days after he was cleared of inappropriate workplace conduct.

At yesterday’s Grand Prix, Christian and his wife Geri, 51, put on a united front as they arrived hand in hand before exchanging a kiss in front of the cameras.

Zara and Mike Tindall, Peter Phillips, the Duchess of York and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank were also in the crowd to watch Red Bull secure first and second place in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

After their victory, Sarah Ferguson, Princess Eugenie and Jack walked to the track to congratulate the Red Bull team on their success.

The Duchess of York, who has faced a host of scandals during her time in the spotlight, appeared to have a lively conversation with Christian as he listened attentively.

At one point, Sarah placed a comforting hand on Christian’s arm as they exchanged a few short words.

The F1 boss then greeted Princess Eugenie, 33, by giving the royal a quick kiss on the cheek.

After their brief conversation, Sarah placed a comforting hand on Christian’s torso as they parted.

For the event, Eugenie wore a black floral midi dress from All Saints with fun, floaty sleeves. Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson opted for a light blue Gucci jacket and black trousers.

Later in the evening, Mike and Zara Tindall and her brother Peter Phillips also appeared on the circuit to pose next to the car of winner Max Verstappen.

The mother of three wore a white blazer from ME+EM, a miniature black leather handbag from Aspinal and a pair of white Superga sneakers.

Sarah Ferguson’s appearance at the Bahrain Grand Prix comes as the Mail on Sunday revealed the Duchess was told her skin cancer does not appear to have spread.

Sarah, 65, suffered a devastating blow in January when doctors discovered malignant melanoma during a second bout of reconstructive surgery following her breast cancer diagnosis last year.

The news came as a ‘huge shock’ to Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, but friends said she was determined to ‘come back’.

A friend told the Mail on Sunday that she had just learned that these were all ‘cancer-free’ and that doctors believe there has been no spread of the disease

Although she must remain vigilant and undergo regular 12-week check-ups, the news was the ‘best possible outcome she could have hoped for’ and her prognosis is good.

Christian Horner was cleared to continue as head of Red Bull following an internal investigation into ‘inappropriate conduct’ by the F1 team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH. The 50-year-old has always denied the claims.

The Red Bull F1 boss initially broke cover during Saturday morning’s Grand Prix with no trace of his wife Geri Halliwell after his wife discovered the texts had been leaked while flying on a private jet.

An insider previously told the Mail there would be ‘chaos’ if Geri showed her face at Saturday’s Grand Prix.

Halliwell, who married the Red Bull team boss in 2015, had a “meltdown” when she landed in the Gulf state on a private jet on Thursday and discovered the bombshell messages plastered all over social media.

The 51-year-old singer has a son, Montague George Hector Horner, with Horner.

She also has a daughter, Bluebell Madonna, born in 2006, with former partner and screenwriter Sacha Gervasi.