King Charles reportedly avoided public meetings with Andrew’s daughters

However, the king has not attended the famous race since he took the throne in 2022.

His decision to return this year has sparked speculation within royal circles because it coincides with the day of the wedding of his cousin, Peter Phillips, 48, and Harriet Sperling, 46, at Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate.

Sources told us the timing will allow Charles to avoid potentially awkward wedding reception encounters with ex-Prince Andrew’s embarrassed daughters, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36.

A royal insider said: “There has been great surprise behind the palace walls at the King’s sudden enthusiasm to attend the Derby. While the event is undoubtedly important to him because of his mother’s affection for it, some people have noted that it also provides an elegant way to limit the amount of time he spends at the wedding celebrations.”

The source added: “If he stays with Peter for the reception, chances are he will have found himself in lengthy conversations with members of the York family. By having a major involvement with the diary again, he will have a perfectly legitimate reason to leave early without causing any obvious offence.”