Queen at Royal Ascot

5:01 pm, Tue 19 Jun 2012

Royal Ascot 'delighted with standard of dresses'

Nick Smith, head of communications at Ascot, said: "We are delighted with the standard of dress we are seeing in both the royal enclosure and the grandstand. The new dress code has clearly had a positive impact on that.

Race-goers attend the first day of Royal Ascot. Credit: PA Wire

He added: "We always said that we would adopt the new rules sensitively using common sense and discretion, especially in the first year of its implementation, and that is what we are doing."

Frankel ridden by Tom Queally wins the Queen Anne Stakes. — Frankel ridden by Tom Queally wins the Queen Anne Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot. Credit: PA Wire

4:07 pm, Tue 19 Jun 2012

Patriotic hats on display at Royal Ascot

A number of race-goers chose patriotic outfits for the first day of racing at Royal Ascot in celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The week is always a highlight of the social and sporting calender, with the fashion states set particularly high.

One race-goer wears a hat with the Union flag and toy soldiers on it. Credit: PA Wire

Jackie St Clair, a former girlfriend of music mogul Simon Cowell, wore a headpiece made from a giant Union flag bow, created by Siggi at Harrods.

Famous faces at Royal Ascot

Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden arrives at Royal Ascot. Credit: PA Wire

Gary Linekar and his wife Danielle at Royal Ascot. Credit: PA Wire

Footballer Michael Owen arrives at Royal Ascot. Credit: PA Wire

3:34 pm, Tue 19 Jun 2012

Queen arrives for a day at the races

The Queen was greeted by cheers and applause as she arrived for a day at the races at Royal Ascot.

Shouts of "God save the Queen" rang out around the Berkshire racecourse's parade ground as she entered in a traditional horse-drawn royal carriage procession.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrive in a horse-drawn carriage at Royal Ascot. Credit: PA Wire

The Queen was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, who appeared fit and well following his recent stay in hospital that caused him to miss part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Queen wore a dress and coat in pale blue by Stewart Parvin with a matching hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan. She and the Duke were joined by the Viscount Ullswater and Lord Vestey.