11 of the royal family's most memorable moments from Ascot

Unfortunately due to the coronavirus pandemic, spectators have been told to stay at home for this year's Royal Ascot. Over the years, racegoers flock to the summer spectacular to watch the royal procession, before witnessing some of the world's finest racehorses in action.

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Here at HELLO!, we take a look back at some of the most memorable moments of the British royal family from over the years, including Prince Harry and Meghan's stunning debut in 2018 and Princess Diana's visit to the race ground just weeks before her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981. But let's start with the hilarious moment the Countess of Wessex nearly fell on top of the Duchess of Cambridge as she boarded the carriage. The ladies managed to laugh it off in style, of course!

The Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Cambridge, 2017

Sophie and Kate's visit to Ascot started off with a stumble, when Prince Edward's wife lost her balance and nearly fell into Kate's arms as she boarded their carriage. The royals looked shocked before breaking into fits of laughter. Prince William, meanwhile, could be seen chuckling in the background. Here, the royals are pictured laughing off the mishap and looking more composed after the small incident.

Prince William holds umbrella up for wife Kate, 2019

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge found themselves under an umbrella as wet weather reigned supreme at Ascot last year. Ever the doting husband, Prince William held the umbrella to shield himself and his wife from the terrible weather.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, 2018

Just a month after their royal wedding, the Sussexes made their joint debut at Royal Ascot. For Meghan's first appearance at the family event, she ticked all the boxes of the strict dress code wearing a white Givenchy shirt dress. The newlywed completed her ultra-regal look with a hat by Philip Treacy and swept her raven hair into an elegant low bun.

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Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie cheering, 2013

Both Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie got into the spirit of things when they were seen cheering on the Queen's horse Estimate to victory in the Gold Cup on Ladies Day.

The Queen with the Queen Mother, 1959

An avid fan of horses and horse racing, the Queen can been seen with her mother at the famous races on Ladies Day in 1959.

Royal Ascot was founded by Queen Anne in 1711. The Queen is a dedicated supporter of the annual event and is constantly kept informed of the order and the development of the racing programme throughout the year. She has owned 22 winning horses including Estimate, 2013's winner of the historic Gold Cup. Attended by thousands of race-goers, each day of the five-day meeting commences with a Royal Procession, and the arrival of the Queen and the royal party in horse-drawn landau carriages is televised each year.

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Lady Diana's first Royal Ascot, 1981

This was the late Princess Diana's first appearance at Ascot with the royal family - just days before her wedding to Prince Charles. Diana, then 18 years old, was seen happily waving at royal fans as she sat next to her future husband in a horse-drawn carriage. It was one of the first sightings of the late princess before she took on her royal duties.

Princess Diana with the Queen Mother, 1986

Princess Diana charmed the crowds as she sat alongside the Queen Mother during the procession. Leaving both Princes William and Harry at home, the late royal appeared to be in great spirits as she happily waved at onlookers.

Princess Diana and Duchess of York rock bold colours, 1990

Known for being good friends, it hardly surprising that Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson coordinated some of their outfits. The pair both sported pillar-box red outfits for their appearance with their husbands in 1990.

The Queen presents Prince Harry with a gift following a polo match, 2003

The Queen and Prince Harry shared a sweet moment when the monarch handed her grandson with a gift following a polo match during Royal Ascot.

Prince William kisses his grandmother, 2004

A year later, Prince William gave his grandmother, the Queen, a kiss on the cheek at the polo match on the second day of the Royal Ascot.

Prince William and Kate make a spectacular appearance, 2016

The Duchess of Cambridge looked sensational as she made her Royal Ascot debut in a stunning white lace dress from Dolce & Gabbana. She was joined by husband Prince William at the famous racing event.