Prince Charles to Visit Louisville, Churchill Downs

England's Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Dutchess of Cornwall, are visiting the United States this week, including a visit to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. The Royals will spend three days in Washington, D.C., before a stop in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, which will include a tour of the famed Twin Spires.

This marks the 19th visit to the U.S. by Prince Charles, who will meet with President Barack Obama at the White House on Wednesday. Also on the Royal itinerary is a visit to the National Archives, to mark the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, a medieval legal document whose principles are still reflected in the U.S. and British Constitutions. The couple will also visit the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall and George Washington's home, Mount Vernon, in nearby Virginia. 

The Royal trip makes a turn south on Friday, as Prince Charles and Camilla are set to visit Louisville and get a first-hand look at the city's sustainability initiatives and public health programs, two causes close to the Prince of Wales' heart. As avid equestrians, their visit to the horse capital of the world could not be complete without a visit to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. The Prince's mother, Queen Elizabeth II, attended the Derby in 2007 to witness Street Sense capture the roses. While it will be 43 days out from the 141st running of the Derby this year, it's not too early to get Derby picks - we can guide the Royals in finding a winner! 

Many details of the Royals' visit to Louisville have not been released, but we will have our eyes open Friday for any glimpse of the Prince and Dutchess. Of course, they are welcome to visit Horse Racing Nation Headquarters at 714 West Main Street in downtown Louisville, should they find themselves in our neighborhood!