James, Earl of Wessex, 18, surprises as he makes Royal Ascot debut alongside Duchess of Edinburgh

James, the Earl of Wessex, made a surprise appearance at Royal Ascot this afternoon, alongside his mother, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The young royal, 18, made his debut at the prestigious racecourse on day four of the event.

Photographers captured the pair sharing moments together in the Royal Box.

The Earl donned traditional morning dress, complete with a black coat and top hat.

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His choice of a blue patterned tie proved a thoughtful touch, complementing the Duchess's striking outfit.

Sophie, 61, selected an elegant blue dress adorned with silver and white rectangular patterns, accessorised with a coordinating hat.

This marked the young Earl's first public engagement since attending the royal Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel.

James did also attend Peter and Harriet's romantic Cotswolds wedding earlier this month, in which he shocked royal fans by towering over his two parents as he swiftly entered All Saints' Church.

Currently completing his A-levels at Radley College, James's plans following his studies remain undisclosed.

The previous day had seen another touching family moment for the Edinburghs, with Sophie's father, Christopher Rhys-Jones, joining his daughter and Prince Edward at the event.

Christopher, who celebrates his 95th birthday today, received an early celebration at the races.

He is a regular fixture at Ascot, having attended alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in 2025.

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The King and Queen headed James's inaugural Ascot day with a traditional carriage procession on Friday, marking their fourth consecutive day at the Berkshire racecourse.

His Majesty, 77, and Queen Camilla, 78, occupied the front carriage as temperatures climbed ferociously during the afternoon's racing.

However, the day once again did not prove fruitful for the monarch and his wife, as their winless run at the royal event extended even further after an agonising second-place finish.

Warrant Holder, the King's four-year-old thoroughbred, appeared destined for glory before being overhauled in the closing stages.

The King and Queen were left looking weary and anxious and sometimes even in despair.

Aside from royals, Friday brought yet another star-studded lineup, including renowned British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who was invited by the King to join the carriage procession.

Mr Lloyd Webber travelled to the festival in an open-top landau accompanied by his wife, Madeleine Gurdon.

He was also present during the Order of the Garter ceremony in Windsor earlier this week, alongside former prime minister Sir Tony Blair.

The celebrated musical theatre maestro's appearance followed the unexpected delight of Stanley Tucci's presence on Thursday during Ladies Day.

The American actor, 65, best known for his role in The Devil Wears Prada, looked entirely at ease in a traditional top hat and tails as he made his way to the racecourse with wife Felicity Blunt.

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