Historic black and white photos show the glory days of Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is one of the most hotly anticipated events on the British sporting calendar.

Each year the races draw hundreds of thousands of spectators donning their gladrags and fanciest fascinators – speaking of which, if you're yet to purchase a hat for the occasion, read our top tips from Kate Middleton's milliner first.

Ahead of this year's races we took a look back at the glory days of Royal Ascot, when guests sported top hats, fur stoles and chomped on cigars while they enjoyed a flutter.

The collection of historic images includes this shot below of a smart couple arriving at Ascot on the third day of racing, also known as Ladies Day, in 1931.

(Getty Images)

And below, the then-Princess Elizabeth makes an appearance at Royal Ascot in 1948.

(PA)

Here, an extremely glamorous Sabrina, a model and actress, arrives at Royal Ascot in 1957.

(PA )

Click through the gallery at the top for a timeline of photos of the glory days at Royal Ascot.