The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended the first day of Royal Ascot, joining Queen Elizabeth II and several other members of the royal family at the swanky annual event — one of the highlights of the British social calendar.
The royal couple arrived at the Berkshire racecourse via the traditional carriage procession, alongside Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex.
Duchess Kate, 35, and Sophie, 52, captured the attention of royal enthusiasts and racegoers alike when the latter appeared to lose her footing while finding her seat in the open carriage. But Kate, and her quick-thinking reflexes, were there to save the day — she instinctively prevented the royal, wife of Queen Elizabeth‘s youngest son, Prince Edward, from taking a very public tumble.
Luckily for us, the clumsy moment was captured by a quick-thinking photographer and will no doubt serve as fodder for many a meme!
The Queen and Prince Philip, who travelled with the Duke of York in the lead carriage, followed by Charles, Camilla and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in another, also arrived to the event via carriage.
Duchess Kate arrived via the traditional carriage procession, alongside husband Prince William, Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex.
The Queen, dressed in a vivid shade of lime green, was accompanied by Prince Philip.
The 91-year-old monarch looked spring-ready in the brightly-hued ensemble.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also arrived to the event via carriage.
Shortly after the procession, the racecourse fell silent as the royals and fellow spectators observed a minute’s in memory of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and London and Manchester terror attacks.
The tribute, which was led by the Queen, was announced by the compere as a “mark of respect for the victims and families so tragically affected by recent events in the United Kingdom.”
Ascot Racecourse has also made a donation of £100,000 (approximately $AUD166,537) to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity and London fire relief funds and local charities, to support those affected.
The Queen and other royal attendees bowed their heads for the solemn moment of remembrance.
After the tribute, the royals moved to the side of the racecourse where they could better take in all the action.
Kate, who looked stunning in a bespoke Alexander McQueen floral lace mini dress and a white topper adorned with pearls and a lace bow, appeared in high-spirits as she and her husband walked around the enclosure.
Despite the sweltering temperatures, the young royals were seen to stop and chat happily with Princess Anne, and Mike and Zara Tindall, among other high-profile attendees.
Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, 62, also joined the party in the Royal Enclosure, looking every bit the royal in a sky blue dress by Goat.
This is the second time Kate has attended the event since joining the royal family. She made her debut last year in a strikingly similar white cocktail dress designed by Dolce & Gabbana.
Kate looked stunning in a high-necked bespoke Alexander McQueen lace mini dress and a hat adorned with pearls and a lace bow.
The much-loved royal pulled her signature locks back into a neat chignon for the swanky occasion.
As usual, everybody’s favourite royal couple stole the show! And in a rare show of affection, Kate even placed her husband on her husband’s lower back.
Despite the soaring temperatures, Catherine remained spirited while talking to fellow racegoers.
She was seen to chat with Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Zara Tindall — the only daughter of Anne, Princess Royal, and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips.
Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, also joined the party in the Royal Enclosure.
It certainly is a busy time of year for the royal family, who recently turned out in full force to celebrate Trooping the Colour — a lavish ceremony held every year to celebrate the ruling monarch’s birthday.
But as usual, it was young Prince George who totally stole the show!
The three-year-old royal rascal slumped his head in his hands and pulled a rather unimpressed face during the family’s balcony appearance — reminding the world exactly why we adore him.
Meanwhile his little sister Princess Charlotte, two, was getting into the spirit of the day and happily waved to the crowds.
GALLERY: Click through to see all the highlights from this year’s iconic celebration. Post continues…
Perched on her mother, Duchess Kate’s hip, it was clear the adorable princess had grown up so much. And her shiny brunette locks reminded us exactly of her mum’s princess perfect tresses.
Dressed in a polka-dot pink dress with frilled sleeves and burgundy leather buckle-up shoes, Charlotte was on her best behaviour for the historical event.
George looked the picture of old school sweetness in a white Peter Pan-collared shirt, maroon shorts and matching suspenders.
But the most adorable moment of the day was when the royal siblings tried out their wave! George pepped up and enthusiastically waved his hands about as his little sister copied him.
Too cute!
