King Charles III and Queen Camilla began their first official tour of British horseracing’s headquarters in Newmarket with a visit to the National Stud, where they met the resident stallions and key figures including the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and the stud’s leadership. Both are honorary members and joint-patrons of the Jockey Club, with the Queen also serving as patron of the National Stud and the National Horseracing Museum. Their visit included a stallion parade, tree planting, and a plaque unveiling, followed by a walkabout on Newmarket’s High Street and a tour of the Jockey Club Rooms, home to a notable equine art collection.

Coinciding with the royal visit, the Jockey Club launched the Patrons Scholarship in partnership with the National Stud and the British Racing School, aimed at increasing diversity in horseracing careers by supporting students from ethnic minority backgrounds. This initiative will select two students annually over three years to receive training and career opportunities. The visit highlighted the royal couple’s deep knowledge and passion for the industry, celebrating its heritage and community impact while promoting a thriving future for British Thoroughbred racing.