Feathers, fascinators, and flamboyant fashion took centre stage as thousands of women dressed to impress for Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot.
Towering headgear inspired by Jane Austen, recycled creations and even fluttering butterflies were some of the designs worn by racing fans.
Photographs from the event showed how ladies transformed the Berkshire racecourse into a living gallery of fashion, embracing the tradition which defines the day.
Bright greens, bold reds and shimmering golds dominated the gardens as racegoers embraced the occasion with bold confidence.
One woman posed with a drink in hand, her lime green ensemble matching the vibrant foliage behind her, while another in ruby red adjusted her striking hat, preparing for a photo.
In sweltering temperatures, spectators swept in before the feature race of the week, the Gold Cup, with the winning jockey and trainer receiving their prizes from the King and Queen.
Thursday marked the hottest day of the year so far, with a temperature of 32.2C recorded in Kew.
Several hours earlier the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) issued its amber warning, saying “significant impacts” are expected from the soaring temperatures in the coming days “including a rise in deaths”.
The alert, the first of its kind since September 2023, is in place until 9am on Monday.
An amber alert indicates that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the health service, with potential for the whole population to be at risk.
The latest warning states: “Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups.”
Thursday marked the start of a heatwave with thermometers set to hit 33C (91F) in the capital on Saturday, the Met Office said.
The royal family were out in force for a third day of racing, with the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, joined by Anne's daughter Zara Tindall and her husband, former England rugby star Mike Tindall, in the royal box.
The King's nephew and Anne's son Peter Phillips and his partner, NHS nurse Harriet Sperling, were spotted in the parade ring greeting the King and Queen after their carriage procession arrival.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were also among the royal party with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Outlandish hats were the order of the day but one racegoer was carrying a novel handbag - in the shape of a watering can.
Olivia Harrell was making her first visit to Royal Ascot and was dressed head to toe in vintage finds from charity shops and said about her handbag: "This is from Paris I bought it for just 30 euros."
Fashion designer Francini Keiser and two models were wearing outfits inspired by the 1960s she created and they all wore distinctive hats by her friend the milliner Odette and Elliott.
Ms Keiser, whose hat featured dyed swan feathers, said: "It's my first time here it's just an extraordinary experience. All these hats are just amazing and the spirit of the people, everyone is dressed up. We're also very excited to see the racing and the King."
Royal Ascot stalwart Tracy Rose wore a dress and towering hat she made inspired by Georgian fashion to mark the 250th birthday of author Jane Austen.
She said: "This is a contemporary homage to the bonnet, the dress also owes something to the bonnet which could be a first and I began designing everything at the start of the year."
In 2022 Mrs Rose founded the Racing For All Diversity Campaign to encourage people of all backgrounds to enjoy a day at the races.
Speaking about the appeal of Royal Ascot she said: "It's so British, it's such a party atmosphere and everybody just wants to be outstanding and have fun with their fashion, which I just love. I'm loving everybody looking wonderful."
