Royal Ascot racegoers turned on the style for Ladies’ Day with a show of sartorial flair and the odd outlandish hat.
Towering headgear inspired by Jane Austen, recycled creations and even fluttering butterflies were some of the designs worn by racing fans.
In sweltering temperatures spectators swept into the famous Berkshire racecourse and later watched Trawlerman win the feature race of the week, the Gold Cup, and the King and Queen congratulate the winning jockey William Buick as they presented prizes.
Milliner Viv Jenner did not waste a past creation but recycled a striking circular yellow and pink design for Ladies’ Day: “It’s all about sustainable fashion, I wore this hat in 2022.
“It’s been sitting in a box in storage for years and I thought rather then make a new one I’d give it a new lease of life and rework it, after finding this lovely yellow dress.
“Bringing a bit of sunshine to Royal Ascot, if we needed any more.”
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.
Beatrice appeared to celebrate a win soon after they arrived when Merchant won the second race of the day, the King George V Stakes.
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.”
