Launches Sustainable Bustardthorpe Development in First Patron Role
Queen Camilla made an unexpected appearance at the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse on August 24, stepping away from her summer getaway to inaugurate the new Bustardthorpe Development complex. This marked her first public engagement as the newly appointed patron of York Racecourse.
Late August is traditionally a time for royal summer retreats, with Queen Elizabeth often spending this period at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. However, Queen Camilla chose to break from this tradition to attend the event.
Her visit coincided with King Charles’ departure from his own Balmoral holiday; earlier in the week, he visited Southport to address the tragic deaths of three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July and later met privately with the affected families at Clarence House.
Greeted by Jo Ropner, the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, and other racecourse officials, Queen Camilla cut the ribbon to unveil the state-of-the-art Bustardthorpe Development. Designed with sustainability in mind, the complex features rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and a "living roof." It aims to enhance the race day experience with spaces for relaxation, dining, and enjoyment, all in line with the racecourse’s Green Knavesmire 300 initiative, which targets achieving NetZero by 2040.
The development continues the legacy of royal patronage previously associated with Prince Andrew and underscores York Racecourse's commitment to environmental sustainability as the first independent racecourse to join the UNFCCC Sport for Climate Action — Race to Zero initiative.
