It was an explosion of colour as racegoers kicked off festivities on the last day of the King George Diamond Weekend at Ascot this morning – with the Duchess of Cornwall leading the glamour in an elegant floral dress teamed with a statement hat.
Well-dressed ladies pulled out all the fashion stops in bold dresses and flirty floral frocks, while dapper gents showed off their best suits upon arrival at the Berkshire racecourse.
King George Diamond’s weekend is an enthralling two-day flat racing meeting for thoroughbred horses held annually in July at Ascot.
Looking the epitome of elegance, Camilla, 74, arrived in a sophisticated lilac coat over a black and white floral frock, teamed with a white and navy hat and matching shoes.
Radiant: Looking the epitome of elegance, Camilla arrived in a sophisticated lilac coat over a black and white floral frock, teamed with a white and navy hat and matching shoes
Beaming: The Duchess of Cornwall, 74, appeared in great spirits as she arrived solo for the prestigious two-day event today
The Queen has previously attended the race, named in honour of her parents. However, it’s unlikely Her Majesty, 95, will attend this year’s event after she was spotted heading to Balmoral yesterday to start her first summer holiday in Scotland without Prince Philip. Pictured, Camilla arriving at the event
Here come the girls! Well-dressed ladies pulled out all the fashion stops in statement dresses and flirty floral frocks, while dapper gents showed off their best suits upon arrival at the Berkshire racecourse
The Queen has previously attended the race, named in honour of her parents. However, it’s unlikely Her Majesty, 95, will attend this year’s event after she was spotted heading to Balmoral yesterday to start her first summer holiday in Scotland without Prince Philip.
Stylish racing fans turned the renowned course into a sea of colour today, opting for vibrant colours and bold floral prints.
Unsurprisingly, hats were the focus of many racegoers’ outfits, with flowers, feathers and matching accessories all on display at the racecourse today.
The dress code for guests in the exclusive King Edward VII Enclosure is formal, with ladies told to sport ‘smart occasion’ attire, while gentlemen are required to wear a jacket with collared shirt and tie.
Looking good: Stylish racing fans turned the renowned course into a sea of colour today, opting for vibrant colours and bold floral prints (pictured right)
All smiles: Unsurprisingly, hats were the focus of many racegoers’ outfits, with flowers, feathers and matching accessories all on display at the racecourse today
Dubbed British racing’s summer garden party, the two-day celebrations are built around the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, which for 70 years has been Europe’s mid-season championship race for middle-distance horses.
It’s thought a crowd of 14,000 is expected at the race meeting, following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions this week.
But despite there now being no limits placed on how many people can meet in England, Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot, expects the course to be around only half full this weekend.
A pop of colour! Racegoers are pictured in the stands during the QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend at Ascot Racecourse
Making a statement: Racegoers sported elaborate hats when attending the event. The dress code for guests in the exclusive King Edward VII Enclosure is formal, with ladies told to sport ‘smart occasion’ attire, while gentlemen are required to wear a jacket with collared shirt and tie
He told Sporting Life: ‘We will probably be at half capacity for the King George. We are expecting something around 14,000 or 15,000 depending on how sales go this week.
‘We have had a very short sales window in terms of the final confirmation restrictions would be lifted on July 19 and actually being able to proactively market the race.
‘It is looking like being a vintage running of the race, and if the weather holds it should be a fantastic day and we’d love as many people as possible to come.’