Prince William supported by Carole Middleton and close friends at Royal Ascot - best photos

The Prince of Wales looked smart in a morning suit, a patterned tie and a top hat. 

The King smiled and doffed his top hat at the crowd as the royals arrived in the parade ring. 

The Queen looked beautiful in an emerald green dress and a matching hat, with an emerald brooch.

William shared a carriage with the King and Queen, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud. 

Carole Middleton and daughter-in-law, Alizee Thevenet, made a stylish entrance at the racecourse.

Kate's mother looked elegant in a butter yellow lace dress from ME+EM with a wide-brimmed hat, while French financial analyst Alizee sported a mint green checked number by Longchamp. 

Mike and Zara Tindall were all smiles for the camera as they watched the action from their box. 

Zara looked beautiful in a white floral Anna Mason dress with a blush pink Bee Smith headband. 

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh made a joint appearance at the races ahead of their 26th wedding anniversary.

Sophie opted for a white and pink floral Suzannah London dress with a magenta teardrop-style hat.

A full-length look of the Queen after she stepped out of the carriage. 

Carole and Alizee shared a box with some of William and Kate's closest friends, including Lucy van Straubenzee. 

Lucy, who was a teacher at Prince George and Princess Charlotte's old school Thomas's Battersea, married property mogul and William's childhood friend, Thomas van Straubenzee, in 2020.

Lady Laura Meade (left in green) is married to William's best man, James Meade. She was chosen as one of Prince Louis' godparents at his christening in 2018.

Prince William shares a close bond with Kate's family and was seen greeting his mother-in-law, Carole, warmly.

William and Lady Sarah Chatto later gathered with Carole and the Prince's pals in the royal box.