Mike and Zara Tindall led the way for glamorous racegoers as they made their first public appearance since the birth of their son Lucas for the first day of Royal Ascot today – while the Queen’s racing manager revealed she will not be attending the event today.
The Queen’s granddaughter, 40, and her rugby ace husband, 42, appeared in high spirits as they arrived at the races today, marking their first public outing together since they welcomed their new baby in March.
They joined Prince Edward, his wife Countess Sophie Wessex and Princess Anne at the racecourse earlier today. Prince Charles, 72, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, were also in attendance at the annual horseracing event.
Royal Ascot is a highlight of the British summer season and, after a year of uncertainty and lockdowns, the first day of the races today heralds the return of occasionwear for many.
Racegoers pulled out all the stops as they attended the first day of the race after 18 months of Covid restrictions, opting to wear a dazzling array of dresses, colourful face masks and over-the-top head gear.
Meanwhile the Queen, 95 – an avid horse racing fan – will not make an appearance due to ongoing restrictions, marking only the second time in 69 years that she hasn’t attended the event.
The monarch, whose horse King’s Lynn is running in the King’s Stand Stakes today, will be watching on television from Windsor Castle.
Mike, 42, and Zara Tindall, 40, led the way for glamorous racegoers as they made their first public appearance since the birth of their son Lucas for the first day of Royal Ascot today
Zara looked thrilled to be back in the stands as she got stuck into the races, cheering on her bets with best pal Dolly Maude (centre) and Anna Lisa Balding (right)
The Queen’s granddaughter looked elegant in her polka dot ensemble as she watched the races with her husband Mike and best friend Dolly Maude
Zara Tindall (left), Dolly Maude and Anna Lisa Balding (right) react as they watch the King’s Stand Stakes on day one of Royal Ascot
Meanwhile Sophie Wessex donned a stunning floor length pearl-coloured gown with a matching headpiece for the event
The Duchess of Cornwall matched her face mask to her chic outfit, opting for a striped coat in shades of blue over a shift dress, with a wide brimmed hat
Prince Charles looked typically smart for the event, donning a pale grey three-piece suit with a black top hat and a matching umbrella
The Queen’s children Prince Edward (left) and Princess Anne (right) were among the royals in attendance at the event earlier today
The Prince of Wales arrives for a day of racing in the royal motor, having teamed his grey suit with a pink tie and handkerchief
The Duchess appeared to be keen to whip her mask off at the first available opportunity in the June sunshine, carrying it as she and Charles entered the venue
The Queen’s racing manager John Warren told Radio 4 today: ‘Obviously the Queen would love to attend, as you know she’s fanatic about racing, watching racing and breeding horses, and has been going to Ascot all of her adult life. So, it’s a shame to miss an event.
‘The plan at the moment is to see how it goes towards the latter part of the week and if the Queen’s able to come because she’s got runners, then, fingers crossed, it will happen.’
The event is part of a list of pilot events taking place, allowing 12,000 revellers to attend, before the possible lifting of all measures to curtail the Covid-19 pandemic in July.
The Queen’s granddaughter and her rugby ace husband appeared in high spirits as they arrived at the races today, marking their first public outing together since they welcomed their new baby in March.
Zara opted for a stunning monochrome polka dot dress, and swept her blonde locks into a low bun for the event. Having clearly missed the occasion, Zara got stuck into the races which she enjoyed alongside pals Dolly Maude and Anna Lisa Balding.
Meanwhile Sophie donned a stunning floor length pearl gown with a matching large floral headpiece, while Camilla matched her face mask to her striped coat in shades of blue.
Appearing on Radio 4 today, the Queen’s racing manager said the monarch was ‘fanatic’ about horse racing, and called her energy levels were ‘incredible’ despite her age.
The Princess Royal (right) chats affectionately to her daughter Zara Tindall who places a hand on a companion’s shoulder ahead of the King’s Stand Stakes
Like mother, like daughter! Keen equestrians Princess Anne and Zara Tindall are seen in deep discussion ahead of the King’s Stand Stakes race
Strike a pose! Looking as stunning as a rainbow, these women appeared elegant in various pastel shades when attending Ascot in matching frocks and hats
Double trouble: These pairs dazzled when arriving at the races in elaborate ensembles – including eye-catching red and yellow designs (pictured left) and a bright orange frock (pictured right)
Among those who appeared delighted to attend was TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins, who opted for a stunning cream and lemon yellow ensemble
Monochrome magic! Others opted for a more elegant low-key black-and-white look for the raceday in Berkshire today
Feeling floral! Another racegoer wowed in a elegant oversized flower fascinator with yellow and red petals (pictured)
Some wore rainbow themed accessories for the event today, in a tribute to NHS workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
One elegant racegoer posed in a power blue gown with pussybow and pearl detailing as she arrived at the event today
A racegoer dons a novelty face mask embroidered with the words ‘only remove for Champagne’ as she surveys the race course
He said: ‘It’s remarkable. The Queen’s energy levels are incredible. She’s 95. She went down to the G7 this week, and trundled back on the train in the middle of the night and the energy will be raised higher again for a week like Ascot.’
However he said the experience would be different for the monarch, adding: ‘In the past, she would have gone and looked at horses in the paddock, even though they weren’t hers because she is so fascinated in the breed so she’d want go and look at the stallion prospects of the future.’
John continued: Every race that takes place every day of the week, the Queen will certainly read the Racing Post every morning, look at the breeding of all the winners the day before, and see that these stallions that she uses will be potential horses for her own mares.
‘It’s a deep fascination, a very broad escapism for all the other things that the Queen has to deal with in her life.’
Zara opted for a stunning monochrome polkadot dress for the occasion, which marked her first public outing with her husband since she gave birth to Lucas in March
The Queen’s granddaughter was enthusiastic and could be seen leading her husband by his hand into the event earlier today
Tactile Zara places an affectionate hand on her husband’s shoulder as they enter the parade ring during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse
Mike and a very animated Zara Tindall enjoy their first afternoon back at the races since the mother-of-three welcomed their third child
Zara removes her RayBan sunglasses to get a better look at the action as she watches the King’s Stand Stakes with Dolly Maude and Anna Lisa Balding
Wearing a plain black mask, Zara Tindall watches the Queen’s horse ‘King’s Lynn’ in the parade ring ahead of the King’s Stand Stakes race
The Countess of Wessex looked fabulous in this elegant silk ensemble which she teamed with matching stilettos and a striking asymmetrical hat
Sophie Wessex and her husband Prince Edward made for a stylish pair as they arrived for the day of racing at Royal Ascot
The Countess of Wessex dons a complimentary face mask as she consults her programme, showing off her elegant updo hairstyle
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive ahead of day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse
Camilla Parker Bowles consults her programme as she and husband Prince Charles watch the action from the Royal Box today alongside companions
Prince Charles, second right, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, centre, arrive to the first race on the first day of the Royal Ascot horserace meeting at Ascot
Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Edward pictured in the sunshine-filled Royal Box ahead of the St James’s Palace Stakes
Keen equestrian Princess Anne looked elegant in royal blue as she arrived for the event, sporting a pair of stylish sunglasses
The Princess Royal sported an appropriate face mask for the occasion, adorned with jockey jerseys and in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. She also wore a gold horse brooch encrusted with diamonds as well as a set of pearls and her Jockey Club badge
TV’s ‘Mr Nasty’ Simon Cowell is pictured arriving with his glamorous partner Lauren Silverman, clutching a leather briefcase with a copy of the Racing Post
Comedian and Strictly Come Dancing champion Bill Bailey and his wife Kristin Bailey appeared in good spirits as they arrived at the races today (left) while TV presenter Rosie Tapner was also in attendance (right)
Sporting a fetching kilt and matching tartan hat, one racegoer pulled out all the stops for the event and stayed safe with a rainbow face covering
Reality stars were also keen to lap up the atmosphere on the day, with Claudia Smith and Chloe Bowler from Absolutely Ascot in attendance
The event is part of a list of pilot events taking place, allowing 12,000 revellers to attend, before the possible lifting of all measures to curtail the covid-19 pandemic in July
Here come the girls! Royal Ascot racegoers held nothing back when it came to choosing eye-catching fashion for the day
Sir Bruce Forsyth’s widow Lady Wilnelia, 64, – who shared her only child Jonathan with Sir Bruce Forsyth until he passed away in 2017 – cut an elegant figure in a black and white jumpsuit at the event today (pictured)
Racegoers were happy to lap up the sunshine on the first day of Royal Ascot in Berkshire today (pictured, two women relax on a bench)
The Queen has a number of runners at the Berkshire racecourse, with Mr Warren tipping Tactical in the Jersey Stakes on Saturday as a potential winner.
Last year – when Ascot was held behind closed doors – was the first time the Queen had missed it in her entire reign.
Many of the glamourous racegoers in attendance opted to wear matching facemasks with the colourful ensembles.
Among those who appeared delighted to attend was TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins, who opted for a stunning cream and lemon yellow outfit.
Meanwhile another wowed in a baby blue tulle midi gown, which she perfectly coordinated with a matching facemask and huge fascinator, complete with pearl detailing.
Racegoers sit socially distanced as they enjoy the races from the limited capacity crowd due to the ongoing pandemic
Racegoers walk amongst other racegoers who are sitting on benches during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse
Racing enthusiast Charlotte opted to carry a small white handbag featured an illustration of a horse and jockey to the event (pictured)
Many of those attending appeared to be in high spirits as they arrived the event today, which is part of a government pilot scheme to reopen large-scale events
Simply stunning! These glamorous ladies put on a glamorous display in flowing frocks and eye catching head wear
Extravagant headpieces and playful facemasks appeared to be the order of the day for racegoers, who were overjoyed to be back at the races after 18 months of Covid restrictions
Racegoers pulled out all the stops as they attended the first day of the race after 18 months of Covid restrictions, opting to wear a dazzling array of dresses, colourful face masks and over-the-top head gear
Double trouble! One pair of friends wore matching outfits for the occasion, opting for green floral gowns, nude heels and black face masks
Groups of people appeared in great spirits as they headed to the races and embraced the chance to get dressed up as they posed outside the venue
Others plumped for costume-inspired looks with one couple wearing a full orange and yellow striped ensemble for the occasion.
The full spectrum of race day style was on show as the first revellers arrived at Royal Ascot.
Unsurprisingly, hats where the focus of many racegoers’ outfits, with flowers, feathers and beading all on display.
The event comes under the Government’s Events Research Programme, and involves the expanded trialling of the NHS App and lateral flow tests to demonstrate a person’s Covid status.
Ascot had been planning for an attendance of 4,000 a day. The new figure will allow all those who rolled over 2020 bookings to be accommodated with a ‘material but not significant’ number of tickets left over, according to a track spokesperson.
The number of spectators will be well below the usual attendance of over 300,000 over the five days but the increased number was welcomed by Frankie Dettori, whose 73 royal meeting victories have only been bettered by Lester Piggott (116).
Armed police officers could be seen standing guard as race-goers arrive on the first day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet
Forget the action on the track! Racegoers do their best to steal the show in daring hats – which include bizarre shapes and eye-catching designs
The event is part of a list of pilot events taking place, allowing 12,000 revellers to attend, before the possible lifting of all measures to curtail the covid-19 pandemic in July
Strike a pose! Looking as stunning as a rainbow, these women appeared elegant in various pastel shades when attending Ascot in matching frocks and hats
One woman opted to wear an eyecatching large yellow headband for the event, complete with feather and butterfly detailing (pictured)
One enthusiastic race-goer donned a hat featuring colourful birds on the first day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet (pictured)
Dressed to the nines! This group of women looked nothing short of stunning in their colour coordinated white and blue frocks and statement fascinators
Once inside, groups of friends could be seen crowding together at the pilot event, which is part of a government scheme allowing a crowd of 12,000 to gather
Safety in style! These woman opted to match their masks to their ensembles as they kept themselves protected on the day, with one featuring the words ‘only remove for champagne’ and the other dotted with pearls
Revellers wearing elaborate fascinators chat and laugh together after entering the grounds at Ascot Racecourse
Left: One racegoer posed in an elaborate fuchsia hat paired with a pink and white floral dress. Right; one guest opted for a green satin dress emblazoned with an orange floral design paired with a mustard clutch bag and green hat decorated with butterflies
Suited and booted gentlemen enjoy a glass of something cold as they watch the races today from the Royal Box at Ascot
British businessman and owner of thoroughbred racehorses Michael Tabor (left) in conversation with Irish horse racing trainer Aidan O’Brien on day one of the Royal Ascot meeting at Ascot Racecourse
Two race goers were caught laughing as they attended day one of Royal Ascot in white in decorative hats and dresses
Outfits at the event ranged from chic monochrome (left) to more daring outfits which included one couple wearing matching orange and red pinstripes
This stylish guest posed at the event donning a pastel pink dress with a matching head dress, cat-eye sunglasses and a statement red lip
Dettori, who was leading rider at the royal meeting for the seventh time last year, said: ‘There’s nothing better than Royal Ascot with people. I know it’s not 60,000 (a day) but it’s better than what we thought.
‘Last year I was leading rider at Royal Ascot and won three Group Ones, including the Gold Cup. To have nobody there to see any of that, it was like someone had cut my arm off.
‘Those are the biggest races we’ve got here and I won them in front of empty grandstands. It goes without saying it wasn’t the same.’
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.
Many of the racegoers opted to wear face coverings as they arrived at the event, which is one of a pilot scheme allowing 12,00 revellers to attend
Gentlemen arriving at the event opted to wear their the traditional tails and top hats (pictured)
Guests could be seen in their finery browsing through the selection of horses ahead of the races today
One racegoer attended the event in a stylish emerald dress paired with a magnificent floral fascinator, sunglasses and wedge sandals
Revellers matched their face coverings to their outfits as they attended the first day of the glamorous event today
Two racegoers laugh together while sharing a glass of Pimm’s together in between races on the first day of Royal Ascot
Crowds dressed in their finery chatting in the stands ahead of the first race at Royal Ascot today
One gentlemen seen relaxing on a bench in between races today opted to wear the the traditional tails and top hats to the event
A socially distanced crowd of well dressed guests can be seen stood in the stands keenly awaiting the start of one of the races
A couple of racegoers pose a selfie while donning a blush pink gown paired with a matching floral fascinator and top hat and tails
One racegoer teamed her elegant white dress with a dainty pearl necklace and matching earrings, alongside a white hat complete with a netted veil and embellished with orange flowers. Another was seen donning a glamorous red dress with a matching floral fascinator
These guests appeared in good spirits as they watched the races from the stalls on the first day of Royal Ascot today
Time for a top up! Two guests donning glamorous get frocks and hats could be seen re-applying their make-up in between races
One gentleman and his wife browsed their racecard before turning their attention to the first race of the day
A musician donning a pink dress and fascinator is pictured playing the harp nearby the entrance to the Royal Enclosure today
These two guests appeared in good spirits as they applauded after the horses went past the finishing post for the first race
With the clue in the name, Royal Ascot is hugely popular with the monarchy and Her Majesty is usually a regular at the event. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, she had attended every year since ascending the throne.
Last year, dedicated Royal Ascot showed off their finest frocks and fascinators while celebrating the fourth day of the racing meet at home.
Even the most committed fans were left watching jockeys riding, wearing face masks, broadcast virtually.
Among the racing enthusiasts who stayed at home was the Queen, who has been forced to watch the event from Windsor Castle for the first time in her 68-year reign.
In an emotional note shared last year, Her Majesty praised the ‘valiant’ efforts of organisers and said she is sure it will still be the ‘highlight’ of the racing calendar, despite the ‘different’ circumstances.
Socially distanced guests sipped their drinks and looked out onto the parade ring on the first day of the races
Glamorous ladies finished their drinks and browed their racecards as the first race gets underway at the event
Guests who had dressed up to the nines chatted in between races on the first day of Royal Ascot today
Many of those attending the event today appeared elated to be back at the races after 18 months of Covid restrictions
Guests stop to relax at benches dotted around the venue which have been set out at a safe distance from one another amid the ongoing Covid restrictions
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