The five-day event concludes on Saturday, June 20
The Duke of Edinburgh will not be joining fellow royals at Ascot's opening day, as Prince Edward has commitments elsewhere in the country.
His schedule takes him first to Production Park in Pontefract, Yorkshire, followed by a visit to Barnard Castle, where he will meet young people participating in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.
The day concludes with an engagement at the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle.
While numerous members of the Royal Family are expected to attend the prestigious racing event throughout the week, Prince Edward's charitable duties have taken precedence over the festivities on this occasion.
King Charles will be presenting the King Charles III Stakes, while Princess Anne will present the St James's Palace Stakes.
In addition, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will present the Coventry Stakes.
Royal Ascot gets underway today with a host of upgrades designed to protect racegoers following last summer's challenging conditions.
The five-day meeting has introduced substantially more protection from the elements, with organisers installing extra covered areas and seating throughout the grounds.
A striking circular structure previously featured at Belgium's Tomorrowland music festival now stands in the Village enclosure, offering visitors an eye-catching new shelter option.
These enhancements come after the 2025 event saw dozens of attendees require medical treatment due to heat-related illness, when temperatures soared to 29.7C.
Organisers have indicated they anticipate milder weather for this year's proceedings.
Racegoers will benefit from an additional 1,580 square metres of shade and rain cover across the venue, while seating capacity has grown by 1,789 places, representing a boost of nearly one-fifth compared to the previous year.
Spokesman Will Aitkenhead attributed the expanded seating arrangements to "customer feedback from last year".
Complimentary drinking water remains available throughout the event, with 25 hydration stations positioned around the site to help visitors stay refreshed.
The combination of increased shelter, additional seating and readily accessible water points reflects the organisers' commitment to improving comfort and safety after the difficulties experienced during last year's sweltering conditions.