THE Queen looked resplendent in a lime green coat and matching hat as she waved at jubilant racegoers at Royal Ascot today.
There was a lot of excitement surrounding the colour of Her Majesty's outfit, with bookies offering bets on which vibrant hue she might opt for.
It was a right royal day out and The Queen was joined at the prestigious event by - wait for it - her husband Prince Philip, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, Princess Anne, Zara and Mike Tindall, Prince Andrew and the Duke of Kent.
Kate, 35, was spotted in fits of giggles as she stopped Sophie, 52 from stumbling out of their horse-drawn carriage.
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The Duchess of Cambridge leaps to the rescue as Sophie Wessex is photographed nearly falling out of their horse drawn carriage as the royals arrive at Royal AscotCredit: �JASONPIX
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Kate was pictured in fits of giggles as she stopped Sophie Wessex from falling down. Fortunately, the pair found the whole mishap hilariousCredit: �JASONPIX
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Sophie Wessex managed to regain her composure by grabbing the side of the carriage, while Kate kept a watchful eye to ensure she didn't fallCredit: �JASONPIX
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The Queen looked resplendent in a lime green outfit as she waved at jubilant racegoersCredit: Getty Images
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Thr Duchess of Cambridge wowed in a white lace high-necked dress and matching hat as she arrived at Royal Ascot todayCredit: PA:Press Association
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Kate looked elegant in a knee-length white lace dress as she walked alongside Prince William, who looked dapper in a top hat and tailsCredit: Getty Images
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The Duke and Duchess share a tender moment togetherCredit: Getty Images
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Kate was later seen laughing along with Zara Phillips, who was dressed in an electric blue dress and complimentary hatCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Zara Tindall greets the Duchess of Cambridge with a kiss on the cheek as they arrive at Royal AscotCredit: Getty Images
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Zara Tindall leaned in to give her grandmother, The Queen, a kiss on the cheekCredit: James Whatling Photography
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The Queen and Prince Phillip led a minute's silence for the victims of the recent terror atrocitiesCredit: Reuters
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The royal family bowed their heads in respect as a minute's silence for the victims of the recent terror attacks got underwayCredit: Getty Images
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Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice were also in attendance and glammed up for their day at the racesCredit: Goff Photos
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Looking dapper, Prince William sat next to Prince Edward in their horse drawn carriageCredit: Rex Features
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Prince Charles arrived in a black top hat, while Camilla Parker-Bowles opted for a summer-appropriate all-white outfitCredit: PA:Press Association
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Prince Charles donned a black top hat and grey tails, while the Duchess of Cornwall looked chic in head-to-toe whiteCredit: Rex Features
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Prince William looked on as Zara Tindall helped her mum Princess Anne put on her sunglassesCredit: Getty Images
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Zara Tindall was clearly having a whale of a time and was pictured sharing a joke with Prince AndrewCredit: David Hartley
Kate looked elegant in a bespoke Alexander McQueen high-necked, white lace dress and a matching hat, which was incredibly similar to the ivory midi dress she wore at Royal Ascot in 2016.
While Sophie stunned in an emerald green dress and a wicker headpiece.
Prince William looked dapper in a top hat and black tails, as his father Prince Charles opted for a grey suit.
Giving a nod to the summery weather, Camilla Parker-Bowles opted for an all-white outfit, while princesses Eugenie and Beatrice both glammed up in flower-adorned designs.
Carole Middleton looked glamorous in a ice blue midi dress and matching hat, while her husband Michael dressed in black tails.
The Queen led a minute's silence in the wake of Grenfell Tower fire and the terror attacks in London and Manchester.
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The Queen, who is an avid fan of horse racing, was joined at Royal Ascot by her husband Prince PhilipCredit: Getty Images
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The Queen and Prince Philip were applauded by merry racegoers at they arrived at the prestigious horse racing eventCredit: PA:Press Association
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The Queen no doubt enjoyed herself at Ascot which is said to be one of her favourite eventsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Kate kept her cool in a white lace outfit, which she paired with nude coloured accessoriesCredit: Getty Images
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Both Kate and Princess Beatrice wore neutral colours which no doubt helped in the blazing summer heatCredit: [email protected]
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Kate channelled the same style as Princess Diana in a white lace skirt, pictured in 1980
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Carole Middleton looked sophisticated in a ice blue-coloured dress and a matching hatCredit: [email protected]
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Carole arrived at Royal Ascot with her husband Michael, right, and was later spotted chatting to members of the royal familyCredit: Getty Images
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Kate's dad Michael Middleton looked smart in a black top hat and tails at Royal AscotCredit: Getty Images
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Kate and Carole joined fellow revellers as they waited for the races to get underwayCredit: Rex Features
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The Duchess of Cambridge's outfit was incredibly similar to the white lace midi dress she wore to Royal Ascot in 2016, picturedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Princess Eugenie, right, opted for a black dress which was adorned in white flowers, while her sister Princess Beatrice glammed up in a white coat that was covered in pink jewelsCredit: Getty Images
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Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice were spotted chatting to fellow racegoers in the Royal EnclosureCredit: Splash News
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The Duke of Kent joined the rest of the royal family for a day of fun in the sunCredit: WENN
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The Duchess of Cambridge prepares to present Puerto Rican-born American jockey John Velazquez with the trophy, after he rode Lady Aurelia to win the King's Stand Stakes horse raceCredit: EPA
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were given the honour of presenting this year's trophyCredit: Rex Features
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge look on as John Velazquez gleefully celebrates his winCredit: Rex Features
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Kate was spotted placing her hand on William's bum after the trophy-giving ceremony as they chatted away to revellersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Three pals were spotted in hysterics while basking in the sunshine on the grassCredit: Splash News
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A man in a horse-print waistcoat and his friends in jazzy headgear were spotted enjoying a glass of fizz at the barCredit: Splash News
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Four male pals took off their suit jackets and were spotted enjoying a pint of beer on a bench in the groundsCredit: Splash News
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Glamorous racegoers descended on Royal Ascot in Berkshire today in an array of eye-catching headwear and dresses. Pictured are the The Tootsie LadiesCredit: Getty Images
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Bookmaker Coral commissioned award-winning pastry chef Cherish Finden to create a show-stopping hat that tastes as good as it looks and is covered in mini cakes (pictured)Credit: PA:Press Association
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TV presenter Layla Romic wowed in a giant pink flower hat - and posed for photographers in Ascot's gorgeous pink rose gardenCredit: Getty Images
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Barrister Edite Ligere looked glam in a navy and electric bloom feathered hat, a matching dress and black bootsCredit: PA:Press Association
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All eyes were on one reveller's enormous white rose hat, which she had to hold to keep in placeCredit: PA:Press Association
Johnny Weatherby, chairman of Ascot Racecourse, said: "We have all been deeply saddened by recent tragic events around the country.
"At the beginning of this important week for racing, we at Ascot Racecourse wish to pay our respects to the victims and offer support to the families who have been so terribly affected.";
The racecourse is making a donation of £100,000 to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity and London Fire Relief Funds and local charities to support those affected.
Following the royals' glam lead, revellers descended on Royal Ascot in an array of eye-catching headwear, which featured giant colourful feathers, pretty florals and even an EDIBLE design.
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Coral bookmaker’s ambassador Carly Baker, left, modelled the edible hat designed by Cherish Finden, rightCredit: PA:Press Association
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A racegoer was shielded from the beaming sun thanks to her quirky yellow hat, which featured a giant pink roseCredit: Reuters
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Punter Sara Davidson arrived at the races in a white lace dress that had a daringly low-cut neckline and a huge pink hat that was adorned with butterfliesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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One woman was all smiles as she posed for photographers in her unusual headpiece that featured an abstract silver design and white feathersCredit: Reuters
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A racegoer looked elegant in a monochrome design that featured a black bow and chic feathersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The Tootsie Ladies looked stunning in their matching scarlet dresses and crowns, which were adorned with bright red rosesCredit: PA:Press Association
The five-day event, which takes places in Berkshire, will host 300,000 revellers, 30 races and dish out more than £6.5million in prize money in total.
High-spirited racegoers made their way into the grounds at 10am this morning, and basked in the balmy 28 degrees.
However, those attending needn't worry too much about the heat getting the better of them - as organisers are reportedly willing to relax their formal dress code to combat the effects of the summer heatwave.
said that men will be allowed to remove their jackets if they get too hot – even though top hat and tails are usually compulsory in the Royal Enclosure.
Racegoer Heidi Lorton-Hill was bang on theme with her elaborate hat that featured three horses jumping over a gateCredit: PA:Press Association
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Racegoer Anna Pribylova pouted for the paps while showing off her artistic headwear that was created from strips of silver metalCredit: PA:Press Association
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Sofia Hayat donned a heavily-embellished nude chiffon dress for her day at the races, as well as an ornate headpieceCredit: Goff Photos
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A pretty blonde racegoer was caught taking a selfie in the sunshine after making her way into the groundsCredit: WENN
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Four female friends posed for photographers in an array of head-turning designs, including a bright yellow two-piece suit and a gold sequin-adorned dressCredit: Reuters
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One couple took a walk on the wild side in their matching outfits, which featured bold tiger printCredit: WENN
Meanwhile, for the first time, women will be able to wear jumpsuits in the Royal Enclosure as organisers give a nod to their “awareness of seasonal trends” - but they must be full-length.
For female racegoers, strapless, off the shoulder, halter-neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap narrower than 1in (2.5cm) are still banned in the exclusive area.
Midriffs must be covered and fascinators are also forbidden.
One of the most glamorous groups at the event were five female pals, known as The Tootsie Ladies, who donned matching scarlet dresses and crowns adorned with red roses.
One woman turned heads in an enormous black fan design, while her mate went for a towering headpiece that was adorned with grey feathers and blush pink blooms.
TV presenter Layla Romic wowed in a giant pink flower hat, while barrister Edite Ligere looked glam in a navy and electric bloom feathered hat.
Patrons of Royal Ascot are famous for wearing hats that look good enough to eat with designs boasting candy floss tulles and cupcake colours.
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Making the most of the relaxed new dress code, one racegoer stunned in a leaf-print jumpsuit and towering black mulesCredit: Splash News
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Another female racegoer looked elegant in a smart white jumpsuit, which she paired with metallic accessoriesCredit: PA:Press Association
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Making the most of the sunshine, one woman looked vibrant in a chic yellow dress and a large hat that was adorned with multi-coloured butterfliesCredit: PA:Press Association
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A racegoer flashed a smile at photographers as she entered the grounds in a black hat that featured a large electric blue flowerCredit: PA:Press Association
With this in mind, bookmaker Coral commissioned award-winning pastry chef, Cherish Finden to create a show-stopping hat that tastes as good as it looks.
Coral bookmaker’s ambassador Carly Baker, who modelled the hat, found it irresistible as she plucked and devoured one of its edible macaron decorations.
TV’s Cherish Finden, renowned for her delicate confections, spent nearly 100 hours over six months creating the delicious hat.
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Armed police were spotted at the entrance to Royal Ascot and racegoers had to undergo thorough security checksCredit: PA:Press Association
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Armed police were drafted in to keep punters safe following the recent terror attacks in London and ManchesterCredit: Reuters
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Despite the high security presence, punters appeared in high-spirits as they prepared for their day of racingCredit: Getty Images
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One merry racegoer was seen posing with Royal Ascot staff, who were dressed in the iconic emerald green jackets, as she made her way into the groundsCredit: PA:Press Association
Inspired by the Queen’s 65th anniversary, the headpiece is made of edible paper and dusted with a pearl sheen.
Sugar blue sapphire gemstones pay homage to Her Majesty’s blue sapphire jubilee; the sweet edible blue gems are nestled around stunning white paper roses that cover the base of the hat.
Cascading down one side are dainty edible butterflies introduced to soften the design and to celebrate summer.
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One woman wowed in a head-to-toe bright blue outfit, while her pal opted for an all-white look on the first day of Royal AscotCredit: PA:Press Association
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One woman turned heads in an enormous black fan design, while her mate went for a towering headpiece that was adorned with grey feathers and blush pink bloomsCredit: Reuters
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These two pals saw red as they entered Royal Ascot in co-ordinating outfits, one donning a pretty dress while the other opted for a jumpsuitCredit: PA:Press Association
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Making the most of the balmy June weather, one woman donned a white midi dress and jazzed it up with a large pink petal-adorned hatCredit: WENN
John Hill from Coral told The Sun Online: “Royal Ascot is as famous for its hats as it is for its horses, and one of the most popular wagers each year is betting on the colour of Her Majesty’s hat.
“Our edible hat was inspired by The Queen’s 65th anniversary, the sapphire jubilee and so we’re offering odds of 2-1 that Her Majesty wears blue on day one of Ascot.”
The Queen is due to attend Royal Ascot today and bets are being placed on the colour hat she will wear.
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Racegoers were spotted greeting one another with a kiss on the cheek, as one donned a quirky Love Heart 'Be Mine' hatCredit: Reuters
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A group of pals headed straight for the bar and were spotted enjoying a pint in the sunCredit: WENN
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High-spirited revellers enjoyed a glass of bubbly ahead of the first race of the dayCredit: WENN
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Punters tried to keep cool by sitting underneath one of the giant umbrellas in the bar areaCredit: WENN
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Feather and floral designs adorned many hats as racegoers glammed up for their day at Royal AscotCredit: Getty Images
