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9 Rarely Seen Royals Who Just Made a Surprise Cameo at Ascot

The Wales Family Jun 18, 2026
BY MEDHA SENGUPTA
(L) Peter Phillips and Harriet Phillips attend day one of Royal Ascot 2026; (R) Lady Gabriella Kingston attends day two of Royal Ascot. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Max Mumby/Indigo; (R) Karwai Tang/WireImage
(L) Peter Phillips and Harriet Phillips attend day one of Royal Ascot 2026; (R) Lady Gabriella Kingston attends day two of Royal Ascot. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Max Mumby/Indigo; (R) Karwai Tang/WireImage
While senior royals such as King Charles and Queen Camilla naturally draw attention, this year's event also featured several lesser-seen members of the extended royal circle.
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Royal Procession Surprise
IMAGE SOURCE: IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES | CHRIS JACKSON

Royal Procession Surprise

Royal Ascot is always one of the biggest highlights of the British social calendar, piquing the interest of every racing enthusiast, fashion lover, and member of the royal family for a week of glamour and tradition. While senior royals such as King Charles and Queen Camilla naturally draw attention, this year's event also featured several lesser-seen members of the extended royal circle. From Lady Sarah Chatto's rare public appearance to Lady Gabriella Kingston's elegant outing, these royals added an extra touch of intrigue to the prestigious event.

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Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto
IMAGE SOURCE: IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES | CHRIS JACKSON

Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto

Sarah Chatto, the only daughter of Princess Margaret, made a rare public appearance at Royal Ascot alongside her husband, Daniel Chatto. The couple joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in the first carriage of the Royal Procession on Wednesday. Although Sarah is not a working royal and is seldom seen at public events, Royal Ascot is one occasion that often attracts extended members of the royal family. Dressed elegantly in a light-colored outfit paired with a wide-brimmed hat that complied with Ascot's strict dress code, she was seen watching the races from the Royal Box alongside Princess Anne. Lady Sarah also took part in the trophy presentations later in the day.

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The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
IMAGE SOURCE: IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES | KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

Also making a notable appearance were Prince Richard and Birgitte, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. As full-time working royals and first cousins to the late Queen Elizabeth II, the couple frequently steps out to represent the monarchy. For this occasion, the Duchess of Gloucester turned heads with a very special accessory: a custom hat designed by a talented student from King Charles's King's Foundation Métiers d'Art Millinery Fellowship program.

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Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling
IMAGE SOURCE: IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES | MAX MUMBY/INDIGO

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling

Peter Phillips stepped out at Royal Ascot with Harriet Sperling, who looked absolutely glowing just weeks after their wedding. Leaning into the event's classic elegance, Harriet opted for a pastel-blue Suzannah London dress with a beautifully tailored silhouette, pairing it with a perfectly matching hat. The dreamy blue look felt like a nod to her joyful new chapter as a newlywed. Together, the couple turned heads and brought plenty of style to the racecourse. While Princess Anne's son has recently been in the spotlight for their nuptials, he typically prefers to keep a low profile and does not carry out official duties as a working royal.

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The Duke and Duchess of Wellington
IMAGE SOURCE: IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES | KIRSTIN SINCLAIR

The Duke and Duchess of Wellington

The Duke and Duchess of Wellington were among the distinguished guests who joined the King and Queen during the Royal Procession. Arthur Wellesley, the 9th Duke of Wellington, and his wife, Princess Antonia of Prussia, remain prominent figures within British aristocratic and royal circles. The couple primarily resides at Stratfield Saye House in Hampshire, a historic estate closely linked to the Wellington family.

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Lady Gabriella Kingston
IMAGE SOURCE: IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES | SAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE

Lady Gabriella Kingston

Lady Gabriella Kingston brought understated elegance to the Royal Enclosure in a pastel Claire Mischevani coat dress featuring a classic button-down design. She completed the look with a white wide-brimmed hat adorned with floral detailing and carried a chic Aspinal of London handbag. The daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent appeared in high spirits, smiling and mingling with fellow guests during what was one of her most notable public outings at this year's Royal Ascot.

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