Royal Ascot is under way2024, and the Royal Family turned out in full force to enjoy the first day of one of the biggest summer events of the royal calendar. Notably, one member of the Royal Family returned to a warm welcome. 

Zara Tindall, the daughter of The Princess Royal, welcomed Lady Gabriella Windsor, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, with a big hug in the Royal Enclosure. 

Lady Gabriella lost her husband, Thomas Kingston, in February of this year, and has understandably remained private this year. However, she did join the family last weekend for Trooping the Colour for her first family appearance. While the balcony is now limited to working members of the Royal Family, Lady Gabriella joined the extended Royal Family just inside the doors to watch the flypast. 

Lady Gabriella joined The Princess Royal and her son, Peter Philips, as well as John Warren, royal racing manager, in the second carriage of the Royal Procession. The King and The Queen led the procession in the first carriage and were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Wellington. 

After the procession, Lady Gabriella stayed with the family in the Royal Enclosure and chatted with Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike Tindall. 

Zara was later seen hugging her uncle, King Charles, warmly as the two enjoyed the racing. In fact. His Majesty was so happy to see his niece that the image of them greeting one another was chosen by the Royal Family to showcase their attendance at Ascot on their official social media.