Racegoers cheer Princess of Wales as she wins the fashion stakes at Royal Ascot

Manchester Evening News
 
Racegoers cheer Princess of Wales as she wins the fashion stakes at Royal Ascot

The Duchess of Cambridge made a dazzling appearance at Royal Ascot, donning an eye-catching red dress that turned heads as she joined the King and Queen for a day of horse racing. Racegoers cheered as they spotted Kate on the big screen, participating in the customary royal carriage procession alongside the Prince of Wales.

As the future King and Queen, this marked their first appearance of the week at the renowned Berkshire event, where high fashion mingles with the world of racing. Kate captivated fashion enthusiasts with her red Alexander McQueen dress and a matching hat by Philip Treacy, while William, like the other royal men, looked sharp in a morning suit and top hat.

The couple live close to the racecourse, having moved to their four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage in Windsor's Home Park last year to provide their children with more freedom away from central London. On Thursday, they were spotted with their eldest son, Prince George, at William's alma mater, Eton College, fuelling speculation that the young royal, who turns 10 next month, may follow in his father's footsteps.

William and Kate have been guests of the late Queen at Royal Ascot on numerous occasions. The racecourse held a special place in the monarch's heart, with more than 20 of her horses achieving victory there. Charles and Camilla were elated when their horse, Desert Hero, a longshot at 18-1 odds, triumphed in the King George V Stakes on Thursday, marking their first Royal Ascot win. They have another opportunity for victory with Candle of Hope competing in the Sandringham Stakes.

During the carriage procession, they were accompanied by actress Dame Judi Dench, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edo Mapelli Mozzi. As the King and Queen and their guests disembarked from the carriages in the parade ring, they mingled with trainers and jockeys, with popular rider Frankie Dettori approaching William for a chat. Dettori had ridden several horses owned by the King and Queen throughout the week, albeit without a win. However, he put his racetrack frustrations aside and emerged triumphant by winning the prestigious Gold Cup on Thursday.

Following his conversation with William, Dettori secured victory in the day's first race aboard Porta Fortuna and delighted spectators with his signature celebration, leaping off his horse. The prince and princess subsequently returned to the parade ring to present the trophy for the Commonwealth Cup, won by Shaquille.

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