Before the horses had even reached the starting stalls, it was the hats that were stealing the show at Royal Ascot's Ladies' Day.
A sea of colour swept across the racecourse as ladies arrived in an array of statement headpieces, from elegant wide-brimmed hats to daring avant-garden creations.
The Berkshire venue looked like a milliner's dream, with fascinators adorned with lace, feathers and flowers competing for attention.
Hats came in every shade, from bright pink to vibrant yellow, electric blue and soft pastels.
Adding to the spectacle was the glorious weather as temperatures climbed to 25C, giving racegoers the perfect excuse to don their finery.
Ladies Day is the unofficial name given to the Thursday racing fixture for the five-day royal meeting.
It is famously a designer battlefield where high-fashion dominates. Guests use the afternoon to debut their most extravagant hats and custom couture.
This year, ostrich feathers, pipe-cleaner flowers and even a miniature chair were some of the creations worn on the heads of racing fans.
Charles and Camilla invited Hollywood star Stanley Tucci and wife Felicity Blunt to join them in the royal box alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Royal and husband vice admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
The royal couple have taken on the late Queen’s role as racing’s most high-profile supporters and are expected to attend every day of the five-day met.
Ms Menz, an Australian milliner and designer who had flown from Melbourne to attend Royal Ascot, said: “My inspiration was to take something ordinary and make something special from it because in millinery the materials can be really expensive.
“I love the pomp and formality of the day, that’s what attracts me to Royal Ascot. I’ve been a few times and I love coming here, we’ve got the Melbourne Cup and you’ve got the Gold Cup.”
Here’s a selection of some of the most extraordinary creations at this year’s event.
