The Queen was all smiles at Royal Ascot this afternoon as she congratulated Gold Cup winning jockey Frankie Dettori after he romped to victory on Stradivarius – his fourth triumph of the day.
Her Majesty broke with her Royal blue tradition as she donned a stunning dove grey coat and floral silk dress with accents of lemon yellow to Ladies’ Day.
The monarch, 93, arrived for the afternoon of racing in an open-top carriage alongside her son Prince Andrew, Duke of York, 59, daughter Princess Anne, 69, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Having worn traditional pale blue for the past two days of the meet, Queen Elizabeth II opted for a departure from her usual bright colour palette, and completed her look with a pleated hat with spike flowers and a striking floral brooch with complimenting yellow diamonds, which was a present from the Sultan of Oman.
She coordinated perfectly with her daughter the Princess Royal, who looked elegant in a pale green ensemble with a subtle nod to her mother’s yellow theme in her accessories.
They were followed in the second carriage by Princess Eugenie, 29, who wore a beautiful forest green dress with a hat by Bundle MacLaren featuring a striking twisting feather.
Cheeky jockey Frankie Dettori clearly tickled Her Majesty – and everyone else – as he burst into fits of giggles during the old Cup presentation
Dettori’s joy was clearly infectious as The Queen smiled broadly and shared a chuckle with the jockey – who won the first four races at Royal Ascot today
A smiling Frankie Dettori was presented with the Gold Cup by The Queen – and resisted the urge to kiss the monarch on the cheek
The Queen broke with her Royal blue tradition today as she donned a stunning dove grey coat and floral silk dress with accents of lemon yellow to Ladies’ Day at Ascot
The packed Berkshire racecourse erupted as The Queen and two of her children, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne, entered on the royal carriage on the third day of Ascot
The monarch wore her signature pearls and white gloves as well as a stylish pleated hat with spike flowers protuding from the rim
Princess Eugenie, pictured left, and Zara Tindall, pictured right with Autumn Phillips, both matched in shades of green today
The monarch was joined in her carriage by her daughter Princess Anne, who looked elegant in a pale green ensemble with a subtle nod to her mother’s yellow theme in her accessories
Queen Elizabeth, 93, arrived for the afternoon of racing in an open-top carriage alongside her son Prince Andrew, Duke of York, 59, daughter Princess Anne, 69, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence
The third and final carriage carried a grinning Zara Tindall, wearing a sculpted hat by London milliner Juliette Botterill, beside her sister-in-law Autumn Phillips, right
‘Mrs Michael Tindall’ looked demure in a teal ensemble by designer by Claire Mischevani and watched this afternoon’s races from the balcony (right)
The royal was joined by Mr James Fellowes, who founded the Bridge of Hope charity initiative, which helps people who have fallen off the career ladder get into horseracing, and The Viscount and Viscountess Brookeborough.
The third and final carriage carried a grinning Zara and Mike Tindall, with the Queen’s granddaughter stunning in a teal dress by Claire Mischevani and a complimenting sculpted hat by London milliner Juliette Botterill.
They were joined by Peter and Autumn Phillips, who looked dazzling in a floral dress by Claire Mischevani and an ivory cocktail hat by Bee Smith.
With the clue in the name, Royal Ascot is hugely popular with the monarchy and Her Majesty has attended every year since ascending the throne – and this year has been no exception.
Having been forced to whip out a brolly yesterday, the Queen will have been relieved that the heavy rain has cleared and been replaced with glorious sunshine.
Queens of Ascot! Her Majesty and her granddaughter Zara Phillips returned for this afternoon’s races at the Berkshire racecourse
Princess Eugenie was all smiles as she arrived with Mr James Fellowes and The Viscount and Viscountess Brookeborough
Mike Tindall, wearing a top hat by Oliver Brown, looked ready for another fun-filled day of festivities as he and Peter Phillips arrived both sporting some fresh facial hair
Zara swept back her blonde locks into a smart bum to show off her dress’ high neckline and ruffle detailing. Pictured with Peter Phillips
The Queen can’t stop smiling as she clutches her programme ahead of an action-packed day of racing at Royal Ascot
Both Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall opted for similar shades, with Eugenie donning forest green and Zara a teal ensemble by Claire Mischevani
Autumn Phillips wore a dress by Claire Mischevani and accessorised with an ivory cocktail hat by Bee Smith and a pale pink clutch bag, while Zara carried an Aspinal of London GilesxAspinal Mini Hat Box
No need for an umbrella today! Yesterday’s heavy rain was a distant memory as the Queen squinted at the crowds in the sunlight
The monarch was joined in her carriage by her son Prince Andrew (right) and Princess Anne’s husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (left)
Zara Phillips pulled some unusual facial expressions as the carriage travelled around the Royal Ascot enclosures. Also pictured: Autumn Phillips
Zara Tindall and Autumn Phillips waves and smiled at the roaring crowds as their carriage pulled into the Royal Enclosure
Ever the fan of an eyecatching hat, Princess Eugenie sported an unusual ensemble headpiece by Bundle MacLaren featuring a striking twisting feather
Pretty Princess Eugenie accessorised her silk forest gown with a snakeskin clutch bag and nude slingback heels
Catching up: Autumn Phillips and Princess Eugenie enjoyed a girls chat on the lawn before the racing got underway
Zara, whose striking gown featured a high neck design with a ruffle trim, took her former rugby player husband’s arm as the pair did the rounds on the paddock
Sophie, Countess of Wessex also returned to Ascot today, wearing a stunning navy blue jumpsuit and a matching pillarbox hat with elegant netting
Mike Tindall sported a white carnation in the lapel of his suit jacket and sported the beginnings of a beard at Royal Ascot today
Zara and Mike appeared to be in good spirits once more as the pair check the betting odds with fellow guests in the enclosure (right)
Cheeky jockey Frankie Dettori steals a kiss from Zara Tindall (left) and Sophie Wessex (right) following his triple win at Ascot today
What a gentleman! Jockey Frankie Dettori kisses the hand of Princess Eugenie before being handed his first trophy of the day
Mike Tindall and Autumn and Peter Phillips appeared to genuinely be enjoying each other’s company this afternoon as they gathered for day three of Royal Ascot
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, looked every inch the elegant royal in a blue jumpsuit and netted hat – keeping her make-up natural with a slick of dark pink lipstick
Prince Andrew looked stern as he strode around the racecourse with his trusty umbrella, while Zara kept a close eye on the racing
The Princess Royal looked a picture of elegance in a mint green coat with a silk dress and a traditional hat worn slightly to the side
Zara Tindall chats to a pal in the Royal Enclosure while the Queen greets jockey James McDonald ahead of the 3.05 Hampton Court Stakes
This is Autumn and Peter Phillips’ first day at this year’s Ascot festival, and the elegant pair complimented each other perfectly, with Peter opted for a shirt and tie that tied in with his wife’s colour scheme
Floral fancy! Autumn Phillips looked radiant in a high neck cream frock adorned with poppies and other summer blooms
The Queen completed her dove grey and yellow outfit with her usual statement black Launer handbag and buckle shoes
A family affair: The Queen and Prince Andrew, Duke of York discuss the afternoon’s races while Princess Anne carries her umbrella close, just in case
Princess Eugenie looks seriously unimpressed by something as she watches the racing from the balcony in the Royal Enclosure
Prince Andrew, Duke of York looked pensive as he arrived by carriage with his mother The Queen this afternoon
The Queen, pictured left and right walking with CEO of Ascot, Johnny Weatherby, as she attends day three of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet
Keen racegoer Zara kept an eagle-eye on the races this afternoon, which were dominated by Frankie Dettori
Princess Eugenie, centre, animatedly chats to Autumn Phillips, left, who wore an ivory cocktail hat with floral detailing by Bee Smith
Having a blast: Autumn Phillips (left) waves to a companion while Zara (right) flashes her million dollar smile during Ladies’ Day at Ascot
Princess Eugenie presenting Lord Grimthorpe with the Hampton Court trophy in the winners enclosure during day three of Royal Ascot
Princess Eugenie, pictured left, accessorised with subtle gold jewellery while Autumn Phillips (right) opted for silver
The Gold Cup: The Queen watches the races from a balcony adorned with colourful geraniums and hanging ivy
Princess Eugenie looks nervously excited as the horses roar past – with Frankie Dettori taking him a triple win at the meet
On cloud nine! Charmer Frankie Dettori bestows a kiss on the Countess of Wessex’s hand before landing another one on her cheek
The Countess of Wessex (left) presents the trophy to Jockey Frankie Dettori (centre), Trainer John Gosden, (second right) and Owner Anthony Oppenheimer (right) after winning the Ribblesdale Stakes on Star Catcher during day three of Royal Ascot
Double glory! Frankie Dettori made a habit out of leaping off his horses today as he celebrated winning the 3.05 Hampton Court Stakes (left) and The Gold Cup (right)
Jockey Frankie Dettori saved his biggest smooch for The Gold Cup, his crowning triumph of the day, which he won riding Stradivarius
Glory for Dettori! Jockey adds the Gold Cup to his haul of FOUR trophies on a victorious day at Royal Ascot
Frankie Dettori kisses the Gold Cup during the prize presentation
For a second consecutive day, Frankie Dettori dominated at Royal Ascot, taking home three trophies including the illustrious Gold Cup.
He won his first race, the Norfolk Stakes, comfortably on A’Ali, beating the favourite, Sunday Sovereign.
Next up was the Hampton Court Stakes, and Dettori made it a double win as he romped home on the well-fancied Sangarius for Sir Michael Stoute.
He received a kiss from Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer as he was presented with his prize – and he continued to pucker up as the wins kept coming.
At 3:40 it was the Group 2 Ribblesdale, and Frankie rode second favourite Star Catcher.
The crowd went wild as the jockey made it a triple win, and an overjoyed Dettori leapt from his horse to celebrate.
Surely he couldn’t do it again?
All eyes were on the Gold Cup as Frankie mounted the hot favourite, Stradivarius.
And surprise surprise, Dettori made it four from four as he roared home on his old friend.
The jockey was presented with the trophy by Queen Elizabeth II, and the monarch was all smiles as she handed him the coveted prize.
The following race was the Britannia, and Frankie rode on Turgenev, the 7-2 favourite.
But Harry Bentley riding Biometric spoilt his party, pipping him to the post at the line and rendering Turgenev into second place.
The Princess Royal looked to be thoroughly enjoying her time at the races today, scouring the programme for her favourites
With the clue in the name, Royal Ascot is hugely popular with the monarchy and Her Majesty has attended every year since ascending the throne – and this year has been no exception. Pictured: The Queen and Princess Anne, left, and Zara Tindall, right
The Queen waves at the cheering Royal Ascot crowds as she arrives for the Berkshire racecourse event in a traditional carriage
Royal Ascot Ladies Day is one of the most glamorous occasions in the British social calendar and racegoers certainly did not disappoint as they descended on the Berkshire racecourse for the third day of the meet this morning.
Newlywed Lady Gabriella Windsor, who tied the knot at Windsor Castle last month, was among the high profile faces spotted in the crowds as she arrived on the arm of new husband Thomas Kingston.
Model Abbey Clancy, who attended with her footballer husband Peter Crouch, led the glamour in a ruched midi dress, while Judy Murray opted for a classic blue coat dress.
Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer and Victoria actress Nell Hudson were also on hand to join in the fun at the racing festival.
The full spectrum of race day style was on show, with many in the mood to take a fashion risk, especially when it came to elaborate headwear.
Many revellers held up their camera phones to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family as they entered the Berkshire racecourse by carriage
High profile guests: Abbey Clancy looked stunning in a ruched ensemble as she arrived with husband Peter Crouch, dressed in a morning suit and top hat from Oliver Brown, left, and newlyweds Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston, right
Newlyweds! Lady Gabriella Windsor and new husband Thomas Kingston beamed as they arrived at Royal Ascot today
Going for gold! Jockey Frankie Dettori pictured onto a winner as he rode A’Ali in The Norfolk Stakes on day three of Royal Ascot
Frankie Dettori celebrates after riding A’Ali to win The Norfolk Stakes on day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse
A range of outfits were on display at the Ladies Day at Ascot today, which has a strict dress code, including a decadent Victorian style headpiece (left) and bold red outfit (right)
She’s a little teapot! A playful hat by Bundle MacLaren Millinery, left, and edgy thigh-skimming frocks were on show at Royal Ascot Ladies Day
Garden queens! Lystra Adams from Rugely, in Staffordshire, left, and Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, from London, at Royal Ascot
Let me take a selfie! A young woman beamed as she captured her beautiful electric blue ensemble on camera at Royal Ascot
Perfectly civilised! Bubbles and Pimms were the drinks of choice for many Royal Ascot revellers as the afternoon went on
Florals for spring! Some racegoers opted for bright and colourful floor length floral dresses, donning stylish fascinators with their trendy outfits
Many racegoers donned fabulous and extravagant hats and headpieces at the event
Bright and beautiful! This group of friends brought a playful explosion of colour to the day’s events at Royal Ascot
Hold onto your hat! Tracy Rose, from Ascot, battled to keep her towering headpiece under control as she posed for photos
Pimms O’Clock! The drinks were flowing in one of the restaurants as racegoers soaked up the atmosphere at Royal Ascot
Sticking with the theme! A woman in a yellow horse print dress, left. Right, a sky blue frock with metallic accessories
Getting in on the fun: Two police officers smiled for the cameras as they posed with a racegoer on her way into the event
Red alert! A woman in a beautiful dress with a high-low hem, left, and the reveller in the Union Jack flag frock, arrive at Ascot
Touch of sunshine: A dapper man matched his partner’s dress with a yellow tie as they arrived for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
Blush pink beauties: A delicate veil brought a feminine touch, left. Racegoer Alexandra Bertram, right, plumped for a bow
Living their fantasy: Moons, rainbows and autumnal floral displays all made an appearance on racegoers’ hats
Here come the girls! Royal Ascot racegoers held nothing back when it came to choosing eye-catching fashion for the day
Unsurprisingly, hats where the focus of many racegoers’ outfits, with flowers, feathers and beading all on display.
One woman went for a gravity-defying self-pouring tea pot, which hung above a stream of flowers that poured into her hat.
Even animals got in on the action – and a well behaved dog was spotted sitting down with a tiny top hat on his head.
Visitors to the Royal and Queen Anne enclosures have to abide by a strict dress code, which does not allow bare midriffs or strapless dresses, but for guests in the Windsor and other enclosures the rules are more relaxed.
The term Ladies Day was first used in 1823 when an anonymous poet described the Thursday of the annual meeting as ‘Ladies’ Day … when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.’
Classic combination: This elegant Royal Ascot Ladies Day racegoer proved sometimes nothing beats black at white
Old school glamour: Several racegoers, including the woman above, chose to add veils to their Royal Ascot headpieces
Blowing a kiss: A cheeky racegoer poses for the camera, left. Right, a racegoer shoes off the detail in her flower hat
Pucker up! This playful hat featured a large pair of bright red lips on the brim – the perfect counterpoint to black and white
Who’s a good boy? A dog put on a tiny top hat for the occasion. Right, Giulia Mio Millinery poses for photographers
Matchy matchy! Co-ordinating red and black looks, left, and a couple dressed in incredible pink ensembles, right
Cheers! Racegoers toasted the start of the third day of Royal Ascot with a glass of fizz at a car park picnic, pictured
Candy coloured accessories: A woman sported a red hat, left, while another chose yellow, right, for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
While there is no official prize on offer for best dressed lady as there is at other race meetings, ticket holders were still eager to put their best foot forward.
Up to 300,000 people are due to descend on the event over the course of five days and naturally the stylish day out is a magnet for celebrities, and is predicted to be a star-studded occasion.
Time for a bite! Racegoers set up a car boot picnic as they prepared for a day of fun at Royal Ascot this morning
Off they trot! Racegoers on a horse carriage during day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse
On patrol: A policeman lowers his sniffer dog onto the opposite side of the fence as day three gets underway at Royal Ascot
Calm before the storm: Groundsmen move benches in front of the grandstand ahead of day three of Royal Ascot
The sun is shining! After battling the elements yesterday, racegoers look set to enjoy better weather at the course today