Duke and Duchess of Sussex join the Queen at Royal Ascot

The Duchess of Sussex at Royal Ascot
The Duchess of Sussex at Royal Ascot Credit: WENN

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received a rapturous welcome from Royal Ascot when they joined the Queen for the opening day's carriage procession.

Just four weeks after marrying, Harry and Meghan enjoyed the sights and sounds of a quintessential English summer event - a day at the races.

Thousands of racegoers cheered and applauded from the stands as the Queen's carriage led the procession down the course.

The Princess Royal and Duke of York joined their mother in the lead carriage and were followed by another carrying the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Harry and Meghan were next, with the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and waved as they travelled past the packed stands on their way to the royal box.

Punters traditionally have a flutter on the colour of the Queen's hat and she was wearing the bookie's favourite, yellow.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said it was first blood to racegoers and that they originally offered yellow at 4-1 but it was backed into 15-8.

The Queen wearing yellow for the first day of Royal Ascot

He added: "Well, we live to fight another day and hopefully we can win back our loses tomorrow, our early favourite is pink at 9-4."

The Queen spoke about her fondness for Royal Ascot in her foreword for the official programme: "My family and I greatly look forward to Royal Ascot.

"As the royal meeting has evolved in recent times, it remains one of Britain's finest sporting occasions with 300,000 racegoers enjoying the unique heritage of Royal Ascot every year, and many more people watching at home.

"Tradition and innovation sit comfortably together, over five days of racing.

"International competition is a compelling feature in the modern era, and it is always a delight to welcome horses and jockeys from around the world to this wonderful racecourse."

The Duke and Duchess will present the winning trophy for the 4.20pm race, the St James's Palace Stakes, stated the programme.