King and Queen visit Suffolk for royal visit

King Charles III and Queen Camilla spent the day in Suffolk for their first official visit since their coronation in May 2023.

The King and Queen were in Newmarket and spent some time in the morning at The National Stud and race courses on the border with Cambridgeshire to meet staff as well as representatives from horse racing charities.

A large crowd then welcomed them to the High Street, where the royal couple met people including Ipswich Town CEO and chairman Mark Ashton.

"I think it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for me personally but it's just an honour to represent this football club and county," Mr Ashton said.

The football club boss said it was an "incredible honour" to spend time chatting with the King.

"He knew what division we were in, he was asking me about how pre-season was going, and how the club was going," he said.

"I was a little bit anxious to be honest. I didn't quite know what to expect, but certainly didn't expect to be asked to come here today and represent the football club like this."

Bella Iten-Scott was among the residents who waited to greet the royals.

"It's quite the honour to show off our town, it's looking great," she said.

"I'm originally from Canada, but it's really exciting to have them come up to Newmarket from London."

Her sister, Bronwyn Iten-Scott, who lives in Japan, was equally eager to meet the couple.

"I'm very excited because it just so happened that on my visit [to Newmarket], visiting my sister, coincided with their visit," she said.

"I'm glad I get to see them, it's a good experience.

"Thankfully [Japan] has a good relationship with England and Japan has an amazing royal family as well so they have a lot of respect for them.

"So we understand what it's like when you get to see them in person, it's a big deal."

Robina and Robert Hicks live in Newmarket and were also ready to welcome the King and Queen.

"We're 74-years-old now and this will be the first time that we've seen the King in person," said Mrs Hicks.

"I was about 70 when I saw the Queen for the first time... it was quite exciting."

Mr Hicks added: "The Royal Family is something that we as a country should be proud of, it's quite unique in the world.

"We're here to celebrate that connection [to horse racing]. We welcome the occasion."

Mayor of Newmarket Philippa Winter said she had shared her gratitude directly to the King and Queen as she spoke with them.

"We were hoping there was going to be a lot of people, but you're never quite sure, it's one of those things, but I think it's been a great success and everyone has been thrilled to see them," she said.

"I think it means an awful lot [to Newmarket]... it's been quite a long time in the planning, but it went very well and I'm more than satisfied and delighted."

The King and Queen's final engagement saw them attend The Jockey Club Rooms to meet staff and members of the club.

Artefacts from the National Horseracing Museum, of which the Queen is patron, were also displayed for them to view.

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