Image courtesy of Dubai Media Office
It is one of Britain’s most famed social events, drawing attendees such as HM Queen Elizabeth II and the new Duchess of Sussex. And this year’s Royal Ascot also attracted Dubai’s royal family, who jetted into the UK for the occasion. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended day one of the iconic horse-racing event, where Dubai-owned stable Godolphin was competing. The royal was at the famed racecourse to witness his stables win the King’s Stand Stakes, just weeks after Godolphin scored several trophies at the UK’s Epsom Derby Festival.
Image courtesy of Dubai Media Office
HH Sheikh Mohammed was joined trackside by his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Both royals were dressed in their racing best, donning top hats and sleek, grey tailed suits, complemented with touches of blue. Also upping the style stakes at the event was Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed. The royal, who just days ago gave an address at the World Food Programme in Rome, sported a baby-blue shift dress and cream, floral headpiece.
Sheikha Al Jalila and Sheikh Zayed at Royal Ascot. Image courtesy of Dubai Media Office
The royal couple were accompanied by their children, 10-year-old Sheikha Al Jalila, and 6-year-old Sheikh Zayed. Al Jalila looked regal in a deep purple dress, accessorized with an ice-blue fascinator, while Zayed matched his father in a grey suit and cornflower waistcoat. The family can often be spotted at a British racetrack or two, having already attended the Epsom Derby and Newmarket this year. The keen equestrians (HRH Princess Haya was the first woman to represent Jordan in international equestrian sport) are also regulars at the Dubai World Cup.
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and British Champions Day are still left on this year’s racing calendar, so will Dubai’s royals be back in the UK later this year? We’ll be watching the tracks.
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