Among the top hats and finery of Royal Ascot this week, the absence of a certain elegantly attired princess was keenly felt.
But where one willowy, sophisticated guest was missing, another stepped forward with panache.
For while the Princess of Wales might have been notable by her absence,
Harriet Sperling joined boyfriend Peter Phillips for no fewer than two appearances at the Berkshire racecourse.
The first, and by far the most significant, was on Tuesday when she made her debut with senior Royals – including King Charles and Queen Camilla – in the traditional carriage procession to mark the start of Ascot.
