Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle made her debut at one of the English social season's blue riband events, Royal Ascot, joining her husband Prince Harry in a horse-drawn carriage for the traditional procession along the course at the start of the five-day race meeting.
The traditional event, almost as famous for its fashion than for its racing, saw the Royal family and racegoers adorn themselves with hats ranging from subtle to quirky.
Queen Elizabeth II — whose passion for Royal Ascot races is reflected by her not having missed a single one since her coronation in 1953 — was wearing a striking yellow ensemble with her hat adorned by a blue flower.
A woman holds onto the ‘birds’ on her nest-shaped hat.
Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, who have many horses in training, arrive at the Ascot procession.
Wearing a white Givenchy dress and a black-and-white Philip Treacy hat, the new Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry were accompanied in the carriage by Harry’s uncle Edward, the Earl of Wessex, and his wife Sophie.
Hat designer Tracy Rose poses before the start of the race.
Frankie Dettori won the first place. In the picture, he is seen celebrating his win.
A racegoer looks on intently as riders enter the circuit.
A quirky hat worn by an Ascots racegoer.
A peacock hat spotted at the races.
A racegoer flaunts her flower-shaped hat at the Ascot races.