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Kate Middleton enjoys a day at the races at Royal Ascot – see the best photos

The royals were dressed to the nines

prince william and kate middleton at ascot
Ainhoa Barcelona
Content Managing Editor
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kate middleton riding in ascot© Photo: PA

The Queen and her family stepped out for one of the finest events in the British royal calendar on Tuesday – Royal Ascot. Her Majesty was in high spirits as she attended the opening day of the races, wearing a vibrant, hard-to-miss outfit. She was joined by various members of her family and led the royal procession around the racecourse, riding in the same carriage as the king and queen of the Netherlands and the Duke of York.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who was on maternity leave during last year's Ascot, supported the Queen, as did the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Earl and Countess of Wessex also stepped out at Ascot, as did Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Ascot is loved by fans just as much for the exciting horse races as the style stakes, and this year the royal family did not disappoint. See the best photos below…

the queen at ascot 2019© Photo: PA

Some 300,000 racegoers are expected to descend on the Berkshire racing meet over the next five days. Writing in the opening day's official race programme, the Queen said: "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. The quality and depth of competition at the royal meeting has also continued to prosper, with eight group one races taking place this week.

"The best horses and jockeys from across the globe are increasingly drawn to Royal Ascot, and it is truly exciting to welcome competitors from overseas, as strong international competition adds further interest and fascination."

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the queen and queen maxima© Photo: Rex

This year, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands were guests of honour of the Queen. The Dutch royals had attended the Order of the Garter service on Monday and extended their stay so that they could go to Ascot.

kate middleton at ascot close up© Photo: PA

Here's a closer look at Kate's Ascot dress.

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kate middleton in ellie saab© Photo: PA

The Duchess caught up with her cousin-in-law Zara Tindall, who embraced the summer in florals.

MORE: Queen Maxima stuns in incredible floral hat at Ascot

kate middleton shares carriage with camilla© Photo: PA

The Duchess shared a carriage with Prince Charles's wife Camilla.

princess beatrice and princess eugenie at ascot© Photo: Rex

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were stylish sisters, arriving together and sharing a carriage on day one of Ascot.

zara tindall greets princess eugenie at ascot© Photo: Rex

Zara greeted Princess Eugenie with a kiss on the cheek.

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princess eugenie holding her stomach at ascot© Photo: Rex

The cousins shared a sweet moment in the royal enclosure.

princess beatrice at ascot© Photo: Rex

Beatrice, 30, coordinated with her grandmother in blue.

camilla at royal ascot© Photo: PA

Camilla looked typically elegant in a blush pink dress.

prince charles and prince william at ascot© Photo: Rex

Prince William and Prince Charles donned their top hats and tails for the formal affair.

princess anne at ascot© Photo: PA

Princess Anne waved to crowds as she arrived at this year's Ascot.

prince edward at ascot© Photo: PA

Prince Edward shared a carriage with The Lord de Mauley Rupert Ponsonby.

queen maxima at ascot© Photo: PA

The Queen was supported by members of her family as she opened Royal Ascot.

countess of wessex at ascot© Photo: Rex

The Countess of Wessex (right) always dresses to impress, and at this year's Ascot, she opted for Emilia Wickstead.

queen maxima and king willem alexander at ascot© Photo: PA

Queen Maxima stole the show in a spectacular hat.

kate middleton and umbrella at ascot rain© Photo: PA

Later the Cambridges presented Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, with his winning trophy after the thoroughbred Blue Point, from his Godolphin stable, won the King's Stand Stakes.

As the rain fell William and Kate also gave an award to the winning jockey James Doyle who chatted to the royals for a few minutes before they left for the royal box.

kate middleton and umbrella at ascot© Photo: PA

Umbrellas at the ready!

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