ROYAL PROTECTION OFFICER GUARDS QUEEN AT ASCOT

ROYAL PROTECTION OFFICER GUARDS QUEEN AT ASCOT



The Queen was protected by a machine gun-toting Royal protection officer at Ascot on Thursday, as security was stepped up at the event following recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Armed police were seen among the glamorous race-goers on Ladies Day at the famous Berkshire racecourse, with officers lining the entrances.

Ahead of the royal procession, a smiling protection officer dressed in a suit and tie was seen carrying a semi-automatic weapon as he arrived by car.



Two plain-clothed policemen travelled in the Land Rover Discovery ahead of the Queen's open-topped, horse-drawn carriage.

The armed officers were seen in much closer proximity to the monarch than usual as she arrived at Royal Ascot.

Expert Mike Yardley said the weapon carried by one of the officers was a short semi-automatic carbine, possibly a US-made SigM 400, which has ‘significant knockdown power’ for close-range protection.

Despite the increased security, the Queen looked in high spirits as she arrived in a fuchsia coat and hat.

Event organisers had announced last week that security would be tightened following recent attacks in London and Manchester, including more extensive security checks as race-goers arrive.



A statement posted on the Royal Ascot website last week said: 'Heightened security measures will be in place at Royal Ascot next week.

'There will be more extensive dog, bag and physical search procedures for everyone at all the racecourse entrances and you will notice a stronger armed and uniformed police presence throughout the site and the vicinity.

'The safety of all racegoers is paramount and racegoers can be assured that the racecourse works extremely closely at all times with the police, the security services and specialist advisers in implementing the appropriate security measures for protection.'

It continued: 'It is inevitable that access to the racecourse this year will take longer. Please be prepared for this and allow sufficient time.

'Please also bear in mind that if you exit at any stage, you will need to pass through security to re-enter.



'We ask that you do not bring unnecessary bags or luggage into the racecourse. Luggage storage facilities will be provided outside of the course enclosures.

'We ask for your understanding, patience and cooperation with us and that you also inform your guests and party members of this update.

'We also ask for your vigilance on matters of security. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please bring it immediately to the attention of the police or our stewards.'

The announcement from Royal Ascot organisers followed increased police presence at a string of major public events across the country.

Her Majesty attended Royal Ascot, one of her favourite events of the year, without Prince Philip for the second day running with Prince Andrew stepping up to accompany her in the traditional carriage procession.



She was resplendent in a fuchsia coat and hat, showing no signs of fatigue after a busy two days that saw her attend the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, before nipping back to Windsor to host a lunch and make it to Ascot in time for the first race.

Today, she was back again to present the prestigious Gold Cup, won by Big Orange who held off a late charge by defending champion Order of St George to win a thrilling edition of the feature race.

The winner's jockey James Doyle took the plaudits for a superb ride, but his heart went out to Italian star Frankie Dettori, who should have been riding him but for an injured arm that ruled him out of the meeting.

Despite the absence of her husband, the lifelong racing fan looked to be in her element, and beamed happily as she presented a prize to James Doyle.

Also in attendance this afternoon were her granddaughter's Beatrice and Eugenie who were equally fresh-faced after attending last night's V&A summer party.



Beatrice sported a blue dress and wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman, while her sister looked striking in fiery red.

Zara Tindall took a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge's book and opted for a summery white frock, teamed with a bespoke rose pink cocktail hat by London milliner Juliette Botterill.

Sophie Wessex also plumped for a white midi dress, and looked especially excited to see her mother-in-law the Queen, waving excitedly as she pulled up in her carriage.