Royally fun times! Beaming Kate jokes with Zara Tindall as they catch up with Eugenie and the Queen at Ascot - and they're even matching in shades of blue
- The Royal Family turned out in force this afternoon to join the Queen, 93, for the first day of Royal Ascot
- The Duchess of Cambridge, 37, beamed as she spoke to Zara Tindall, 38, and Princess Eugenie, 29
- Meanwhile Mike Tindall, 40, was in high spirits as he joked with Prince William, 36, and Sophie Wessex, 54
- Prince Charles, 70, chuckled with a jockey while Prince Edward, 55, and Prince Andrew, 59, kept a low profile
- King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands also attended as guests of the Queen
The Duchess of Cambridge led the glamour as the Royal Family turned out in force for the first day of Royal Ascot.
Elegant in a blue lace creation by Elie Saab, Kate, 37, beamed as she caught up with Zara Tindall, 38, and Princess Eugenie, 29, at the Berkshire racecourse today.
Mike Tindall, 40, appeared in particularly high spirits and was seen joking with Prince William, 36, Sophie Wessex, 54, and even the Queen, 93, during the lively family family gathering.
Elsewhere Prince Charles, 70, was spotted chuckling as he and the Duchess of Cornwall, 71, spoke to a mounted jockey, while Prince Andrew and Prince Edward kept a rather more low profile.
Also in attendance were Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, who are guests of the royal family after attending the Order of the Garter Service at Windsor Castle yesterday.
The royal carriage procession this afternoon marked the official start of the annual five-day racing festival, which kicks off with the Queen Anne Stakes today and will run until Friday.
It has long been a highlight of the British social calendar, with thousands of well-heeled racegoers turning out in their finest morning suits, summer dresses, and most extravagant hats for the occasion.
Today was no exception, with Lady Kitty Spencer, Kirsty Gallacher, Jodie Kidd and Viscountess Weymouth among the high-profile attendees who dressed to the nines.
Beautiful in blue! The Duchess of Cambridge and Zara Tindall appeared to co-ordinate their outfits for Royal Ascot today
Light-hearted moment: The Duchess of Cambridge and Zara Tindall share a joke, left. Right, Kate in Elie Saab
Dress to impress like the Duchess of Cambridge in Elie Saab
The Duchess of Cambridge has chosen white lace dresses on two occasions to attend Royal Ascot, but today she mixed things up a bit.
She arrived in style wearing a powder blue dress by Elie Saab, and it's the first time she's worn the Lebanese label that has a host of A-list fans. She matched the Queen in her blue ensemble too!
It's from the Resort 2019 collection, and we love the macrame lace, pussybow neckline and embroidered polka dots on the sheer panels. The pleated skirt moves beautifully, and when teamed with a Philip Treacy hat, it's a very chic look.
Kate's is a custom made creation, but click (right) to take a closer look at the blouse version.
Or recreate this raceday look with the help of our edit below. Cefinn and Luisa Beccaria have got our favorites!
Special visitors: The Queen, centre, with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, right, at Royal Ascot this afternoon
Touchy feely: Zara puts an affectionate arm around her uncle Prince Charles shoulders, left, and chats to Kate, right
Catching up: Princess Eugenie, Zara Phillips and the Duchess of Cambridge spend time together at Royal Ascot today
Sister, sister! Princess Eugenie wore a dress by Calvin Klein while Princess Beatrice (right, left image) wore a Maje dress and Bundle MacLaren hat. Right, Eugenie is pulled in for a bear hug by Mike Tindall, who is married to her cousin Zara
Giggle! The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant as she broke into laughter during the high spirited family affair today
Horseplay! Mike Tindall enjoyed teasing Prince William, left and right, as the pair spent time together at Royal Ascot today
It's infectious! The enthusiasm for the day's events caught on and Prince Charles was seen chuckling with a jockey
Fashion statement: Kate departed from her typically tailored silhouette and stepped out in a flowing powder blue ensemble by Elie Saab - the first time she has worn the Lebanese label that has a host of A-list fans
Royal jester! Zara was spotted sharing a joke with the Queen and the Countess of Wessex at Royal Ascot this afternoon
True gent: Retired jockey Willie Carson kisses the Duchess of Cambridge's hand, left, and shares a joke with the royals, right
Out in force (left to right): Prince Andrew, the Queen, Her Majesty's race horse trainer John Warren, a guest, Princess Eugenie, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence (back), Princess Anne, Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie and the Duchess of Cambridge
All eyes were on the royals when they arrived in the traditional procession, with the Queen leading the way in a carriage with the Duke of York, and the King and Queen of the Netherlands.
The Queen, who has only missed one Royal Ascot since ascending the throne, donned a typically vibrant ensemble for the occasion, pairing a periwinkle coat and matching hat with a floral dress in a similar tone.
The look appeared to have been chosen to co-ordinate with the blue ensembles worn by Kate, Zara, Eugenie and Beatrice.
Meanwhile Maxima looked elegant in a soft beige and burnt orange midi dress, which she wore with one of her signature statement hats.
Reunited! The Duchess of Cambridge and Zara Tindall enjoy a close friendship and looked thrilled to see each other today
Air kisses: The Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Cambridge greeted each other in the Royal Ascot enclosure
Affectionate: Zara Phillips also brought her cousin Princess Eugenie, pictured, in for a cuddle as they said hello
Chuckle with Charles! Zara shared a joke with her uncle as they greeted each other warmly at Royal Ascot this afternoon
Girls' chat: At one point Eugenie, left, Zara, centre, and Kate, right, looked deep in conversation with each other
Pink perfection! The Duchess of Cornwall, left, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex in a pretty Emilia Wickstead ensemble
Getting on famously: Queen Maxima burst into laughter while chatting with her husband King Willem-Alexander, just seen left, and Prince William, centre. Elsewhere Kate spoke to Zara (left) and Charles chatted with a guest (right)
The colour complemented the softer blush and peach shades chosen by the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
The Duchess of Cambridge followed in the second carriage with her husband, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Kate departed from her typically tailored silhouette and stepped out in a flowing powder blue ensemble by Elie Saab - the first time she has worn the Lebanese label that has a host of A-list fans.
Sticking with her love of head-to-toe monochrome, the royal accessorised with a Philip Treacy hat and earrings by Kiki McDonough.
However she did add a touch of colour with a new pair of £545 silver pumps by Gianvito Rossi and a metallic clutch bag by Elie Saab.
Royal arrival: The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in a carriage with William and Charles
Family outing! The Queen, left, was joined by senior royals including Sophie Wessex, right, at Royal Ascot this afternoon
Race day ready: Prince Charles and the Duke of Cambridge both smiled as they arrived for Royal Ascot this afternoon
VIP: Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, right, was given the honour of sitting beside the Queen in her carriage this afternoon
Royal blue! The Duchess of Cambridge joined Prince William and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, left, at Royal Ascot
Royal hosts: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge speak to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands
TV presenters, models and society beauties led the glamour as Royal Ascot kicked off in style today.
Lady Kitty Spencer, Kirsty Gallacher and Charlotte Hawkins were among the well-dressed racegoers who pulled out all the fashion stops and refused to let a bit of rain dampen their fun.
Crisp white summer dresses, statement jumpsuits and hats decorated with bees were all on display as thousands of revellers descended on the Berkshire racecourse this morning.
Leading the glamour: Kirsty Gallacher, left, Lady Kitty Spencer, centre, and Charlotte Hawkins, right, at Royal Ascot
Early arrivals: Author and businesswoman Chelsey Baker, left, milliner Ilda Di Vico, centre, and Jodie Kidd, right
Summer style: Lady Wilnelia Merced attended with a guest, left. Right, women give a masterclass in summer style
Creating a buzz: A racegoer in black and yellow, left, journalist Flora MacDonald Johnston, centre, and model Georgia Fowler
Sticking to the theme! Rebecca Johnson flashes a beautiful smile in her customised Royal Ascot hat at the course today
Feathered fancies: Head-to-toe orange was one racegoer's bold look, left. Right, Zara Sassoon in a frothy white ensemble
More is more! Ines Hernandez from the Dominican Republic, left, wore a gloriously eye-catching hat for the occasion
Time for a selfie! Glamorous racegoers arrive for the first day of Royal Ascot as the five-day festival gets underway
Dream team! Racegoers pose for a snap on their way in, left. Right, Rebecca Johnson matches with her Royal Ascot date
Here come the girls! Viscountess Weymouth, left, racegoer Christina Wilson, centre, and singer Natalie Rushdie
Starting young! Dapper Chase Spranklin, 10, from Florida, was dressed to the nines for his outing to Royal Ascot today
Think pink! Whether it was floral (as seen on interior designer Anouska Lancaster, left) or feathers, pink was popular
Bringing a splash of colour: Elegant racegoers beam for the cameras as they soak up the atmosphere at Royal Ascot
Setting up camp: One of the favourite bits about Royal Ascot for many people is the picnic that takes place outside, pictured
Watch the hat! Designer Amanda Wakeley whips out an umbrella, left, and Zara Sassoon uses a hat box as a rain shield
Cheers to them! A group of well-dressed racegoers toast to the start of a fun day with a picnic near Ascot Racecourse
The ultimate accessory! Umbrellas were needed to help keep racegoers dry as they made their Royal Ascot entrance
It won't rain on their parade! Extra umbrellas were needed inside Ascot Racecourse but the spirits were still high
Royal Ascot is a much a social occasion as a sporting event and racegoers take the opportunity to turn on the style, from chic hats and summer dresses to sharp suits.
Visitors to the high-profile racing event this year also have a wider choice of garb, as organisers say they are free to choose a gender dress code they 'feel most comfortable' with.
Under the changes, women will be allowed to dress like men and vice versa – as long as they stick to the rules.
This year's Royal Enclosure dress code says 'Gentleman' must wear black or grey morning dress with a waist coat and tie.
Picnic in the rain: Racegoers didn't let a spot of damp weather put an end to their pre-Royal Ascot picnic
Ominous skies: Racegoers cross the course beneath cloudy grey skies, left, and take out umbrellas once inside, right
Time for a refreshment! Umbrellas in hand, revellers sat down to enjoyed a chilled drink inside the racecourse
Girls' day out! Tangerine dresses were the order of the day for this gaggle of glamorous women at Royal Ascot
Strike a pose! Australian model Georgia Fowler made sure to give the photographer different angles as she arrived
Great British summertime! A tablecloth, wine and silver ice bucket made this Royal Ascot picnic a very civilised affair
Turning heads: Ines Hernandez, left, and Rebecca Johnson, right, were among the standout arrivals at Royal Ascot
Pushing the boundaries: One woman dons a suit, left, following the relaxing of the Royal Ascot dress code this year
Can you ever have too many hats? Jodie Kidd makes a statement with a teetering tower of top hats at Royal Ascot
'Ladies' are not allowed to wear strapless and off-the-shoulder dresses, while mid-riffs have to be covered and fascinators are also banned.
In previous years, it has insisted attendees cover their midriffs and avoid wearing fascinators and that still stands.
While in previous years there has been no official style guide for the Windsor Enclosure, except to dress for a formal occasion, now female attendees are requested to wear fascinators, like those in the rest of the enclosures.
Royal Ascot has put in place strict dress codes since the early 19th century .
The race gathering's famously strict clothing rules hark back to sartorial trailblazer Beau Brummell, who dictated the dress for men in the Royal Enclosure at the turn of the 19th century and was fond of cleaning his shoes with champagne.
Old fashioned glamour: A group of women in orange dresses strike a pose on their way into Royal Ascot
Retro glamour: A wicker Fortnum & Mason hamper completed the look for this stylish couple ready for a day at the races
Top hats and tails: Men weren't left behind in the fashion stakes and pulled out their very best clothes for the occasion
Perfectly polished: The well-turned out Royal Ascot staff pose for a photo before festivities get into full swing at the course
Flower power! Ines Hernandez from the Dominican Republic, left, and Victoria Muir, right, plump for floral hats
Ready for the fun! Racegoers beamed as they arrived at Royal Ascot for the start of the five-day race meet today
Fun and fabulous: Journalist Flora MacDonald Johnston, left, and Edite Ligere show off extraordinary hats at Royal Ascot
Final touch-ups: A racegoer helps secure her friend's navy fascinator as the pair kick off a day of fun at Royal Ascot
Getting excited! Elegant racegoers arrive by train, left, before making their way on foot to Ascot Racecourse, right
Quick change! Looking to save their feet, many women arrive in flats before swapping into heels on arrival, pictured
On their way! Racegoers snap a picture en route to the course, left, while two friends arrive in co-ordinating outfits, right
Time for tea! Racegoers enjoy a carpark picnic before heading in to start the fun inside Ascot Racecourse this morning
Capturing the moment! Women pose for selfies, left, and arrive arm-in-arm for the first day of Royal Ascot this morning
Quiet moment: A well-dressed gentleman offers a flash of his Union Jack socks as he reads the newspaper in the carpark
Bubbles for two: With two glasses and a bottle on hand, this couple enjoy a civilised drink before heading into the racecourse
Well prepared: A picnic table, chairs and several cool boxes are laid out as one group get ready for Royal Ascot
Making an entrance! A carriage is the traditional way to arrive for a day at the races - and shows no signs of going out of style
Off they trot! A group elected to arrive by horse-drawn carriage on the first day of Royal Ascot this morning
Great British past-time: Polite racegoers wait in line in their Ascot finery as they arrive at the Berkshire racecourse today
Guess where they're going! Royal Ascot racegoers bring a splash of colour to London's Waterloo station
Ascot-bound! Racegoers stood out amid the suited commuters at London's Waterloo station this morning, pictured
Standing out from the crowd: Bold hats of all shapes and sizes could be seen at London's Waterloo station this morning
Guess where they're going? London Waterloo was awash with eccentrically dressed racegoers this morning
Final adjustments: A man in a fabulous horse hat helped his friend straighten her hat before boarding the train at Waterloo
Ready to go! Women in sequined hats waited for their train to Ascot at London's Waterloo this morning, pictured
Brightening up a grey day: Royal Ascot racegoers stroll through the station to catch their train to Ascot this morning
Drawing attention: Commuters couldn't help but stare at the smartly dressed gentlemen dressed for Royal Ascot as they passed
Two return tickets to Ascot! Two gentlemen in top hats and tails bought their tickets to the racing festival at London Waterloo
Two years ago, the event broke with convention by allowing racegoers to wear jumpsuits in the Royal Enclosure for the first time.
Organisers also announced they would try to draw in a new breed of visitors by putting on a 'party atmosphere' and a 'more vibrant feel'.
Meanwhile, no changes have been made to rules for 'Gentlemen'.
Juliet Slot, commercial director of Ascot, said: 'Fashion and style are an important part of the Royal Ascot experience for all of our customers.'
The boys have arrived! Well-dressed gents clutching an edition of Racing Post arrive ready for the day at Royal Ascot
Security checks: Searches are carried out at the entrance to the Queen Anne Enclosure at Ascot Racecourse this morning
Bag checks: Security checks were in place for all racegoers as they made their way into the grounds this morning
On alert: A security officer and her sniffer dog move through the crowds at the entrance to Ascot Racecourse this morning
Ready to go! Impeccably dressed stewards are briefed as they prepare for the first day of Royal Ascot this morning
Safety checks: Police officers with sniffer dogs patrolled the grounds ahead of the arrival of racegoers at Royal Ascot
Patrol: Teams of police officers and sniffer dogs were dispatched to secure the racecourse ahead of the festival today
Calm before the storm: The entrance to the Ascot Racecourse, where guest bag searches will take place during the day
Before the excitement: The beautiful parade ring at Ascot Racecourse ahead of the start of Royal Ascot today
Kate's dress is gorgeous and the colour is lovely ...
by daisydancer 1614