PRINCE Charles and Camilla have dressed to the nines for the Royal Ascot races today.
However the Queen has stayed at home to conduct important duties today, missing Royal Ascot for just the second time during her reign.
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Punters were hoping Her Majesty would make an appearance but a few caught a glimpse of a group of horse-mad royal women arriving at the Berkshire meet.
Princess Anne, 70, was joined by her daughter and son-in-law Zara and Mike Tindall, with Prince Edward, 57, and wife Sophie, 56, also seen arriving at the racecourse.
Mike, 42, and Zara Tindall, 36, made their first public appearance since the birth of their son Lucas.
Last year Royal Ascot was held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, but this year 12,000 lucky revellers are able to attend each day.
The Queen’s racing manager, John Warren, suggested to Radio 4 that it may be later in the week before Her Majesty goes to Royal Ascot.
Today, Her Majesty, 95, has instead received Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison during an audience in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle.
The royals usually flock to enjoy the Ascot festivities together.
Today is the opening day of the five-day meeting and stylish racegoers have dusted off their show-stopping hats and eye-catching dresses for the occasion.
Female racegoers could be seen enjoying the sunny weather in high-sky stilettos and elegant dresses.
Many took the opportunity to get creative with their looks, opting for bold, colourful ensembles and unusual headwear.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the royal enclosure, ladies are asked to wear “modest” dresses or skirts which finish just above the knee or longer.
Meanwhile, dresses or tops must have a strap of one inch or wider with strapless, off-the-shoulder and spaghetti straps banned.
Hats or fascinators are compulsory, with a base of four inches or more.
If you’re in the cheaper Queen Anne Enclosure, ladies can get away with fascinators and slightly shorter dresses.
