Royals out in force on second day of racing festival

Royal Ascot was flush with royals when the world-famous meeting welcomed members of the monarchy for a day at the races.

The Queen led the way during the second day of the Berkshire event that saw the stands filled with racegoers and the royal box entertaining Camilla’s guests, with only the Princess of Wales and the King missing.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, were among those waiting to greet the royal procession when it entered the parade ring and Sophie was joined by her father Christopher Rhys-Jones.

The Princess Royal was spotted with daughter Zara Tindall and her husband former rugby international Mike Tindall, and the Yorks were out in force with Princess Beatrice with partner Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Princess Eugenie with spouse Jack Brooksbank.

Sarah, Duchess of York, who made a surprise public appearance with the royals at Sandringham on Christmas day, was also in the parade ring.

The Prince of Wales had travelled in a carriage with Camilla and invited to Royal Ascot were his parents-in-law Carole and Michael Middleton.

It is believed to be their first appearance at major event since it was announced in March Kate had begun a bout of chemotherapy treatment following a cancer diagnosis after abdominal surgery in January.

Kate revealed in a statement on Friday she is making “good progress” in her treatment but candidly said she has “good days and bad days” and although she has been working from home, stressed “I am not out of the woods yet”.

Charles, who is also being treated for cancer, was working in London and was pictured earlier meeting the President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema at Buckingham Palace.

As the royals mingled in the parade ring William appeared fascinated by a large tassel on Eugenie’s wide brimmed hat and joked with his cousin and her sister Beatrice about the accessory.

Zara greeted members of her family with her trademark enveloping hug and joked and laughed while her husband was pictured embracing Edward and putting his arm around the Duchess of York, who has battled cancer, as they chatted.

When the royal party made their way up to the royal box Beatrice and Eugenie were seen drinking the classic summer tipple Pimms.

Other guests included Andrew Lloyd Webber who was made a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter during a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Monday, attended by the King and Queen and other senior Royals.

Theatre impresario Lord Lloyd-Webber, whose hit musicals include The Phantom Of The Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, was joined by his wife.

Away from the royal box filmstar Elizabeth Hurley posed for the cameras during her visit to Royal Ascot.