Ladies Day at Royal Ascot is one of the most glamorous occasions in the British social calendar and racegoers certainly did not disappoint this year.
Classic floral sundresses, extravagant headpieces and showstopping maxi dresses were all on display as hundreds of well-heeled revellers descended on the Berkshire racecourse for the third day of the meet.
Unsurprisingly, hats where the focus of many racegoers’ outfits, with flowers, feathers and beading on show.
Dressed to impress, ladies wore a variety of eye-catching headpieces as they stepped out for a day of fun in the sun.
Royal Ascot, known as the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, will welcome hundreds of thousands of punters during the five-day meet.
Many are likely hoping to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family as they turn out in force for the annual occasion, with the King and Queen expected to be leading the traditional carriage procession, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary.
The tradition – which marks the official start of the day – began during the reign of George IV in 1825 when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington.
As one of the highlights of the racing calendar, the prestigious festival is just as famous for its fashion as it is for its races – and today, the full spectrum of race day style was on show as revellers arrived at Ascot’s most glamorous day.
The term Ladies Day was first used in 1823 when an anonymous poet described the Thursday of the annual meeting as ‘Ladies’ Day … when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.’
While there is no official prize on offer for best dressed lady as there is at other race meetings, ticket holders were still eager to put their best foot forward.
Stylish racegoers at today’s event turned the racecourse into a sea of vibrant outfits as they donned bright prints to ensure they stood out from the crowd.
Many of those arriving at the main spectators’ enclosure opted for coordinating outfits with their friends too.
Whilst no dress code rules apply in the Windsor Enclosure, although the majority of guests choose to dress up regardless, a strict dress code operates across the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures.
Hats are a must in both Royal enclosures. Alternatively, a headpiece or ‘hatinator’ with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches (10cm) is also acceptable.
Dresses must be knee length or longer and forget spaghetti straps – all shoulders must be a minimum width of 1 inch (2.5cm).
Strapless, off-the-shoulder and one shoulder items are also banned in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures.
Shorts of any kind are not permitted. But having been included in the dress code since 1971, trouser suits remain a popular choice – although they mustn’t be mismatched.
From 2017 onwards, jumpsuits have also been accepted as Ascot worthy, while men must stick to black dress shoes worn with ankle socks, but there are no footwear specifications for women.
On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales joined the King and Queen as the Royal Family turned out in force for the second day of the festival.
Arriving at the annual occasion, Prince William, 42, sat beside Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud, a member of the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia, and opposite Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, as they made their way to the racecourse by carriage.
His appearance in the royal procession came after the Princess of Wales pulled out of attending the prestigious five-day meet at the last minute as she continues to ‘find the right balance’ following her battle with cancer.
Racegoers had been hoping to catch a glimpse of Kate as William was named as one of the figures awarding race prizes during day two of the festival.
Ascot officials had announced in a published list at 12pm that the Princess was due to be with William in the second carriage in the royal procession – which is marking its 200th anniversary this year.
But less than half an hour later, Kensington Palace confirmed just before 12.30pm that Kate would not be attending – and a revised carriage list was published by Ascot.
MailOnline understands the Princess was ‘disappointed’ not to be in attendance ‘but she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements’.
However, Kate’s mother Carole Middleton did attend today – alongside her daughter-in-law Alizee Thevenet, the wife of Kate’s brother James Middleton.
The 43-year-old Princess has been making a gradual return to public duties since it was announced in January that she was in remission from cancer.
But in the past week she has attended three high-profile events – Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London.
The King and Queen were joined at Wednesday’s event by Zara and Mike Tindall, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Charles also hosted Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of his late aunt Princess Margaret and a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. She was joined on the fourth carriage with her artist husband, Daniel Chatto.
Despite her closeness to Her late Majesty, Lady Sarah is known for keeping a low profile, and while she’s attended Ascot in the past, she’s not regularly seen with the royal family, aside from a handful of key events.
The King and Queen, both fans of racing, were also joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
