The third day of the Royal Ascot horseracing festival, known as Ladies' Day, took place yesterday at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, showcasing a blend of competitive racing and distinctive fashion. The event featured a traditional carriage procession led by the King and Queen, with several members of the Royal Family and notable guests participating.
The King and Queen headed the parade, followed by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, alongside her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who recently assumed leadership of her late father’s horse-racing interests. Other prominent figures included Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, a member of the Qatari royal family and CEO of Qatar Racing, Irish trainer and former jockey Willie Mullins, and Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne.
Actor Stanley Tucci and his wife Felicity Blunt were also part of the procession, occupying the final carriage alongside Lord and Lady Cavendish, close friends of Queen Camilla. Tucci, known for his role in "The Devil Wears Prada," has previously met the King and attended events hosted by him, including a VIP Italian-themed dinner at Highgrove Estate.
Fashion was a major highlight of the day, with attendees embracing a wide variety of styles, from traditional to avant-garde. Queen Camilla appeared in a pale green crepe silk coat dress designed by Fiona Clare, paired with a matching hat by Philip Treacy. Zara Tindall opted for a summery butter yellow ensemble complemented by a stylish hat and sunglasses. Holly Willoughby, ITV presenter, wore an all-white outfit including a wide-brimmed hat, while reality star Georgia Toffolo and athlete Harry "Nitro" Aikines-Aryeetey also received attention for their stylish appearances. Other notable attendees included Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins and fashion influencer Lydia Millen.
The Queen praised the event during a broadcast with ITV Racing, emphasizing its appeal to a broad audience beyond dedicated horse racing fans. She described Royal Ascot as five days of pleasure that offer both top-tier racing and the enjoyment of pageantry and socializing. “It doesn’t matter whether you love horses or don’t know much about horses,” the Queen said. “You come for a really good day to experience a bit of fun, the best racing in the world, the best horses, the elegant women.”
Aside from the social and sartorial spectacle, the event also delivered intense horse racing competitions, further cementing Royal Ascot’s reputation as a premier fixture in the British sporting calendar. The mixture of tradition, sport, and fashion continued to draw diverse crowds and public interest, reflecting its enduring cultural significance.