An Ascot resident has captured the exact moment Princess Anne's carriage happened to break down as it was led through Cheapside in Berkshire.

Every year, the village residents come out to witness the carriage procession before the makes their way to the crowds of spectators at the prestigious royal sporting event of the year.

However, royal aides rushed to fix the reins that had fallen off the . The second carriage contained the Princess Royal, The Duke of Wellington, The Duchess of Wellington and Mrs Annabel Elliot - Queen Camilla's sister.

Local resident, Paul Arora, who was enjoying the procession, spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk: "It was a quintessential English scene where the King and members of the Royal Family made their way through a small village this morning for the start of Royal Ascot. Many of the locals turned out to show their support and were blessed by the wonderful weather. However, the royals were not so blessed as one of the carriages had a horse break its reins."

Mr Arora added: "We noted it had caused a delay for a few minutes, and royal aides rushed to help fix the problem, which they appeared to do so very efficiently. Shortly after, the procession continued and all was well. After the mishap occured, my friends were discussing the incident - it made quite the talking point!"

After the mishap, the King's carriage waited further up the hill until Princess Anne's carriage was fixed. Many locals had gathered to wave at the royals, including a group of school childen who were amazed at the sighting.

The Ascot resident was enjoying a garden party with friends who had held the event in honour of the first day of the prestigious event.

Riding in the first carriage was King Charles, , Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud, and Lady Sarah Keswick. The third carriage contained Princess Anne's son, , , Mr Anthony Horowitz and his wife, and the fourth carriage included Mr Henry Morton Jack, Lady Joanna Morton Jack, Lord Vestey and Lady Vestey.

a tradition which began during the reign of George IV in 1825 when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington.

Writing in the official programme, the King and Queen said: "Having experienced the thrill of victory at Royal Ascot ourselves in 2023, we can only wish all those competing this week the very best of luck and that everyone watching has a most enjoyable five days."

The late Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.

Since then Charles and Camilla have taken on her stable of horses and enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when their horse Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes.