Princess Anne’s carriage breakdown stalls King’s grand Ascot entrance

Princess Anne's carriage suffered a rare mishap at Royal Ascot today, briefly halting the King's grand procession in a surprising twist to the typically seamless pageantry.

The Princess Royal was joined by her son, Peter Phillips, and his girlfriend Harriet Sperling, who marked a personal milestone by making her royal carriage debut. 

The couple, who first appeared publicly together in May 2024, shared the second carriage with Anne before it reportedly broke down en route.

According to a source speaking to GB News, the unexpected delay was caused when the second carriage in the procession encountered a technical issue. 

"The Royal Grooms sprang into action to fix the harness, and after a delay of a few minutes, the carriage was back in action on its way to Ascot."

King Charles paused his own carriage further up the hill to allow his younger sister’s vehicle to rejoin the procession, ensuring the family arrived in unison.

Meanwhile, rows of schoolchildren, eager to greet the royals, waited patiently along the trackside.

Despite the minor disruption, spirits remained high as Peter Phillips and his partner, Harriet Sperling, made their way in the third carriage of the traditional parade. 

Leading the ceremonial procession, King Charles and Queen Camilla looked resplendent in the first carriage, joined by Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia’s royal family and Lady Sarah Keswick.