See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy REBECCA ENGLISH, ROYAL EDITOR Published: 00:21 BST, 17 June 2026 | Updated: 00:23 BST, 17 June 2026
Hats off, ladies! When it comes to daring millinery, Royal Ascot is the greatest show on earth – and these race-goers were determined to stand out in a crowded field.From titfer teacups to clouds of neon butterflies, they pulled out all the stops with some of the most eye-catching designs seen at the Berkshire course.While many wore outfits in 'bright tomato' – Ascot's first colour of the year, chosen to encourage a style theme – others threw caution to the wind and wore a whole rainbow of clashing hues.Happily, however, the Royal Family was on hand to show that understated elegance still has its place.Queen Camilla chose a pale blue embroidered coat dress by Anna Valentine, a matching hat by Philip Treacy and a diamond heart brooch.But all eyes were on royal newcomer Harriet Sperling, now Mrs Phillips following her wedding this month to Princess Anne's son, Peter.The newlyweds were invited by King Charles to join the traditional royal procession down from Windsor Castle to the racecourse in a fleet of carriages. Harriet wore an elegant grey-blue Suzannah London silk dress with a matching Jane Taylor hat and white Jimmy Choo slingbacks. Newlyweds Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips and Harriet Phillips, formerly Harriet Sperling, attended day one of Royal Ascot on Tuesday, following their wedding this month King Charles and Queen Camilla now run the late Queen's stable and have become enthusiastic racehorse owners, largely thanks to Camilla Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall, who was dressed head to toe in lilac accessorised with Kiki McDonough earrings, attended the annual event with husband Mike TindallShe also sported an Anya Hindmarch clutch with her initials – HP – engraved on it.Peter wore a tie matching his new wife's outfit with his morning suit. Harriet looked delighted to see her sister-in-law, Zara Tindall, who was not part of the royal procession but still cut a dash in head to toe lilac and Kiki McDonough earrings.Also present yesterday were Princess Anne, who joined the Phillipses in a carriage along with Camilla's nephew, Sir Ben Elliot, former co-chairman of the Tory party.Dozens of stars attended, including former Spice Girl Geri Horner – looking bridal in white – and her husband, Christian. By contrast, Kelly Osbourne paid tribute to her late father, rock singer Ozzy, by dressing from head to toe in black with a bat-shaped fascinator.The King and Queen now run the late Queen's stable and have become enthusiastic racehorse owners, largely thanks to Camilla. They enjoyed their first Royal Ascot win in 2023 when their thoroughbred Desert Hero won the King George V Stakes.Sadly, although they shouted enthusiastically from the royal box, their hopes of a win yesterday were dashed when their horse, Reaching High, was beaten in the Ascot Stakes by 25-1 shot Kizlyar.They will be hoping for better luck later, with another four horses racing this week.
