THIS year's Melbourne Cup will include a visit from a member of the royal family.

Zara Phillips, the oldest granddaughter of the Queen, has been chosen as the official international guest of the spring racing calendar's biggest day of the year.

Ms Phillips, cousin of Prince Harry and Prince William, and 12th in line for the British throne, will be involved in presenting the Cup on November 3.

She was chosen as an equestrian to compete in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, but had to withdraw when her horse was injured.

More 100,000 people are expected to attend the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.