Click here to see our fabulous Ladies Day hat gallery
Keeping your composure – and your hat - in a 34mph wind is a tricky feat. The pressure is even greater if you're attending Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, an occasion famous for its elegance and inevitably full of cameras.
Leading the glamorous racegoers doing battle with the elements at this year's society gathering was showbiz veteran Cilla Black, who coped with the help of strategically placed pins. She'd struck a dramatic note, contrasting her magnificent red floral titfter with a ruffled pistachio green suit.
Her fellow showbiz veteran Dame Helen Mirren was less fortunate, temporarily losing her wide-brimmed accessory as a gust swept through the Berkshire course. The Oscar-winning actress quickly recovered her sheer black design, however, and later went on to take tea for the first time with the famous figure she portrayed on film, the Queen.
The sovereign's own hat had been the subject of much speculation and apparently frenzied betting. According to bookmakers, scores of punters had put money on her breaking with her customary style to wear a fascinator or opting for a shade of red.
In the event the royal matriarch disappointed them on both counts in a powder blue affair by New Zealand milliner Philip Somerville teamed with a silk shift dress and coat in the same colour.
Her granddaughters, who've been the undoubted stars of this year's Ascot, once again raced away with the fashion honours. Beatrice and Eugenie, both sporting Philip Treacy designs, shared the glory with their cousin's wife Autumn Phillips, who stood out with a fuchsia pink creation.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
