Zara Tindall, Princess Anne and Duchess Camilla step out for day one of Royal Ascot - best photos

Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of the royal family's summer calendar and they turned out in force for the first day of the five-day meet. 

While the Queen was absent from the proceedings and there were no traditional carriage processions, the monarch's family were among the guests in the Royal Box. 

The monarch's racing manager John Warren has said the monarch, a keen horse breeder, is hoping to attend the Berkshire racecourse later in the week.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were joined by the Princess Royal, her daughter, Zara Tindall and husband Mike.

Take a look at the best photos from day one of Royal Ascot. 

READ: 12 of the royal family's memorable moments from Royal Ascot

WATCH: Charles and Camilla among royal guests on day one of Royal Ascot

Charles and Camilla arrived by car and not the traditional carriage procession, and were watched by some of the public waiting for the racing to begin.

The Duchess wore a  cream shift dress with a blue ribbon effect coat by Bruce Oldfield and a matching mask. She accessorised with a hat by Philip Treacy. 

MORE: Ascot style lessons from the royals! Kate Middleton, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall & more

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Good Morning Britain presenter, Charlotte Hawkins, looked elegant in a £1,400 lemon and oyster dress from Laura Green London with matching accessories. 

MORE: The Queen holds rare face-to-face meeting at Windsor Castle

Mike and Zara Tindall joined the royals for the first day of Royal Ascot, almost three months after welcoming their third child, Lucas Philip Tindall. 

MORE: Mike Tindall shares 'happy' personal news ahead of daughter's birthday

The pair looked more loved up than ever, with Zara looking pretty in a cream spotty ensemble, while Mike wore a tie that coordinated with his wife's outfit. 

MORE: Zara Tindall's two-month-old son Lucas pictured for first time

The couple posed for a photograph as they arrived at the racecourse. 

Zara wore a £250 mini dress from ME+EM, available at Harrods and a bespoke hat by Juliette Botterill. 

The Tindalls were also joined by Zara's mother, the Princess Royal, who donned an all-navy ensemble. 

It comes after Princess Anne enjoyed a glamorous night out in London on Monday with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence. 

MORE: Princess Anne surprises in blue at Royal Ascot - and wait 'til you see her statement jacket

The Countess of Wessex arrived wearing a champagned-hued belted dress by ARoss Girl x Soler, which the Duchess of Cambridge also owns in teal. 

The frock is available to buy in some sizes in a magenta colourway for £447 in the sale at Net-a-Porter. 

MORE: The Countess of Wessex makes her mark on Ascot in a stunning silk dress

Sophie's husband, Prince Edward, also joined his wife at Royal Ascot, wearing morning dress with a yellow spotted tie. 

MORE: Duchess Camilla is the queen of Royal Ascot in matching dress and mask

Zara was joined in the stands by her best friend, Dolly Maude, (centre), who helped to deliver baby Lucas at home when there wasn't enough time to get to the hospital. 

MORE: Who is Zara Tindall's friend Dolly who helped deliver son Lucas?

Georgia Toffolo wore a powder blue Hannah Sophia England dress with puff sleeves and a straw floral hat from Jess Collett Miliner. 

MORE: 8 best photos of glamorous Kate Middleton at Royal Ascot

Former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews unveiled a unique Harrogate Spring Water fountain at Royal Ascot. The installation was created using over 1000 recycled plastic glasses, and aims to encourage racegoers to hydrate in style throughout the event.

Comedian Bill Bailey and his wife Kristen were among the celebrity guests at the Berkshire racecourse on day one. They each wore black face coverings. 

Wilnelia, Lady Forsyth-Johnson looked lovely in a black jumpsuit over a semi-sheer blouse with embroidered detailing. 

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