The horse driving Princess Beatrice’s ceremonial carriage became startled today at Royal Ascot, causing drama.
Royal escorts immediately got the situation, which took place in front of hundreds of onlookers, under control.
The royal onlooker seemed frightened by the drama, but afterwards disembarked the carriage smiling and unscathed.
The 33-year-old was with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on the fifth day of the event, which is one of the most important on the racing calendar.
The royal couple arrived in a horse-drawn carriage on the fifth and final day of the festivities, as is customary.
Professor Douglas Antczak and Mrs Douglas Antczak joined them in the carriage, while the Duke of Kent came separately.
However, as their procession approached, one of the carriage’s horses grew frightened.
While the mother-of-one watched from behind, royal escorts quickly went in to manage the horse and keep the others calm.
She looked to recover quickly, though, and was soon photographed smiling as she exited the carriage to take in the day’s racing.
A number of high-profile guests attended the five-day event, including senior royals such as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
This year, Kate Middleton, 40, attended Ascot with her husband, Prince William, 39.
Despite having horses competing in various competitions, the Queen has opted out of the society’s favorite event due to chronic mobility concerns.
However, the event drew several well-known attendees, including Georgia Toffolo, a reality personality, and Lady Victoria Hervey.
Naval Crown, a 33/1 outsider, won the £1 million Platinum Jubilee Stakes today, while Noble Truth won the Jersey Stakes. Ascot had been showered in magnificent sunlight for the previous three days of the racing spectacular, with temperatures exceeding 30C (86F), prompting the organisers to ease the dress restriction.
The fifth and final day, however, witnessed a return to typical British summer weather, with cold winds and sporadic rains, sending some gamblers fleeing for cover or hiding under umbrellas.