King Charles, Queen Camilla bring charm to late Queen Elizabeth favourite place

King Charles and Queen Camilla made a surprise appearance at the Epsom Derby racecourse today.

They attended to watch their horse, Treasure, compete in the Betfred Oaks later in the afternoon. Treasure was bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The royal couple dressed appropriately for the wet and dreary weather, wearing raincoats.

The Epsom Derby, the most prestigious race of the Flat season, was a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who regularly attended the annual event.

During the event, Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, sat in the Royal Box ahead of the Coronation Cup.

It is highly anticipated that Their Majesties will present the trophy to the race winners.

The King and Queen's horse has been rated the eighth favourite by bookmakers at odds between 18/1 and 26/1.

The prize money for today's race totals £541,035 for the top six positions out of the 12 runners.

A first prize of £311,905 will go to the winner, then £118,250 for the second, £59,180 for the third, £29,480 for the fourth, £14,795 for the fifth and £7,425 for the sixth.

The handler also described Charles and Camilla as "such enthusiastic owners and it is great to be training such a nice filly for them who is running in a Classic".

Queen Elizabeth II landed five Classics in all, with Carrrozza her first Epsom Oaks heroine in 1957 followed by Dunfermline in 1977.

Dunfermline was the last to carry the royal colours to victory in a British Classic.

The horse won not only the Epsom Oaks but also the St Leger at Doncaster during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee year.