Behind The Scenes At Ascot

All The Laughs, Gossip And Drama As The Royals Take To The Races

It’s the Queen’s favourite week of the year – and it seemed the whole family had turned out to enjoy it with her. As if relishing precious moments with the 93-year-old monarch, all four of her children joined her at Royal Ascot, and despite grey skies and some rain, it was a day of kisses, cuddles, laughs and stunning fashion.

Also there were William and Kate, Zara and Mike Tindall and Bea and Eugenie, as well as the King and Queen of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Maxima.

But the Queen, as always, was at the heart of the meeting and set the scene in the official program, saying: “I am delighted to welcome you to Royal Ascot, one of the sporting events that I have been fortunate to enjoy throughout my life.

“Racing began at Ascot over 300 years ago and while much has changed, the horses remain the stars, thrilling us with their beauty, brilliance and courage.”