Ladies day at Royal Ascot kicked off with a bang as hats of all shapes and sizes flooded the racecourse with a riot of colour.

60,000 people were expected through the doors today for the Gold Cup which had several of the King’s horses competing.

Charles and Camilla swept onto the Berkshire course in the carriage procession with the Princess Royal, the King’s cousins, the Earl of Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto, and faces from the world of racing all joining the royal party.

There was headgear today made like flowers, clocks, and one inspired by the famous racecourse through the years. 

Tracy Rose, 62, has been coming to London for 42 years and she has created an entire outfit with a ‘jockeys in motion’ theme.

She said: “I was inspired by the colour that the horses make as they whoosh around the track. It’s made from one piece which is 12 foot long and it’s shaped to represent the twists and turns of the racetrack.

“This is my 42nd year here and I absolutely love it. It’s such a privilege to come to such an event and creating my outfit makes it even more special.”

Milliner Viv Jenner wore a striking hat made for the wearer to look through the brim with flowers at the centre made from feathers.

She said: “I designed this with the King in mind, it’s new beginnings.

“That’s why I decided to use the King’s silks, his racing colours of scarlet and purple with the gold represented by my accessories like my gold handbag.”

Zoe Scott, a jazz singer from America attended ladies’ day where she said it was such a pleasure to be able to make it on the first Royal Ascot as King Charles as the monarch.

Her hat was a huge flower that complemented her dress perfectly.