There’s something truly magical about summer events in the UK, and Royal Ascot continues to be the perfect blend of tradition, glamour, and world-class racing.
As the sun beamed down on Berkshire, racegoers turned the prestigious venue into a vibrant runway on the second day of this iconic five-day festival.
Racegoers Embrace Bold Fashion and Statement Hats
It wasn’t just the horses turning heads—fashion lovers came ready to impress.
Women dazzled in fuchsia, rose, and every shade of pink imaginable, embracing the unofficial colour of the day.
Maxi dresses flowed gracefully in the summer breeze, and figure-hugging silhouettes brought an extra dash of elegance.
Men brought their A-game too, with classic morning suits, polished shoes, and the ever-stylish top hats completing their timeless look.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Ascot without the flamboyant millinery—hats adorned with feathers, flowers, lace, and even architectural flourishes were everywhere you looked.
Pink Takes the Spotlight as Style Statement of the Day
Pink reigned supreme, with countless guests leaning into the trend.
From bold hot pinks to soft blush tones, the colour offered a playful yet sophisticated vibe.
Whether paired with dramatic headpieces or kept sleek and simple, pink added a bright and joyful tone to day two of the racing calendar’s most stylish week.
Royal Family Continues Their Strong Presence at the Track
As always, the Royal Family was a major attraction.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were seen enjoying the festivities from their traditional vantage point in the royal box.
Their presence added to the grandeur of the day, continuing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s deep-rooted love for Ascot.
Joining them was a new face—Harriet Sperling, the girlfriend of Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips.
She made her debut in the royal carriage procession, a ceremonious tradition that celebrates its 200th anniversary this year.
Initiated by George IV in 1825, the royal procession continues to signal the beginning of each racing day in true regal style.
A Look Inside the Carriage Lineup
The royal pageantry unfolded with King Charles and Queen Camilla riding alongside Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia and Lady Sarah Keswick.
They were followed by the Princess Royal, Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot, and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling occupied the third carriage, marking her first official public appearance in the royal fold.
Familiar royal faces such as Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson, and the ever-popular Zara and Mike Tindall also made stylish appearances among the crowd.
Royals Try Their Luck with Mixed Results
Though the Royal Family has long been passionate about racing, it wasn’t a victorious day on the track.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s horse, Reaching High, failed to place in the Ascot Stakes.
This follows in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, who had over 20 Royal Ascot wins but also her fair share of unlucky days.
However, last year brought better fortunes, as the royal couple celebrated their first win with Desert Hero, who triumphed in the King George V Stakes.
Today’s Racing Highlights: Eyes on the Prize
The racing lineup today promises high stakes and even higher excitement.
One of the main attractions is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a Group 1 race with a prize pot of £1 million.
First run in 1862 and named for Queen Victoria’s son (later King Edward VII), this race tests both speed and endurance—traits that make a true champion.
Last year’s winner, Auguste Rodin, gave a stunning performance that showed just how tough the competition can be.
Historically, only a few horses have ever won this race more than once, with Connaught, Mtoto, and Muhtarram standing out in the record books.
Other Must-Watch Races on the Schedule
Aside from the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, the card features three Group 2 races: The Queen Mary Stakes, The Queen’s Vase, and The Duke of Cambridge Stakes.
Each brings its own flair, from rising young fillies to distance specialists.
Later in the day, racegoers will enjoy the drama of the Royal Hunt Cup, Windsor Castle Stakes, and the Kensington Palace Stakes, all building toward a thrilling conclusion to the day’s events.
Big Money on the Line for Top Performers
Across the entire week, more than £10 million is on offer for winning and placing horses.
Each race has a minimum purse of £110,000, while Group 1 contests boast at least £650,000 in prize money, making Ascot not only prestigious but also incredibly lucrative.
What’s Next?
With three more days of racing, fashion, and royal appearances still to come, Royal Ascot shows no signs of slowing down.
Whether you’re tuning in for the thrill of the track, the glamour in the stands, or a glimpse of the Royal Family, there’s plenty more spectacle ahead.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings at Britain’s most elegant sporting event.