Racegoers make the most of the scorching sun as they step out in their Summer finery for the last day of racing's most famous event
Stylish racegoers dusted off their best frocks and put their best fashion foot forward as they arrived for the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot.
And for once, it appeared there was not a cloud in a the sky, and rain would not spoil the day at the Berkshire racecourse.
In fact, it may have been too hot for some, with temperatures reaching roasting 28C at one point.
Bright colours were the order of the day - alongside statement hats of course - and the crowd was a sea of people dressed in vibrant hues.
A number of attendees opted for yellow, looking Summery and stylish in their bright ensembles.
Many opted for midi or even full-length gowns, making the demure look front and centre when it came to fashion.
But as ever, some of the most striking style moments came in the form of headgear, with some racegoers opting for truly eye- catching millinery.
Dressed to the nines, groups of classy racegoers also opted to coordinate their attire for the annual occasion, rather than wearing their ensembles solo.
Many glamorous revellers showed off their fashion prowess by donning one of the major trends of the season - monochrome outfits.
When it comes to fashion, the word monochrome is often used to describe an ensemble that is black or white.
However, what it truly means, is an outfit where all items are the same colour (irrespective of what the colour is).
In order to create a look which is not flat and boring, those who choose to dress in a monochrome look will often mix colours of the same hue, but different shades.
These differences - though subtle - add depth and visual interest to an outfit, while looking chic.
Another noticeable style choice made by many revellers was their choice of block colour over prints.
While there were, of course, a few attendees who did opt for a patterned ensemble, it was unlike many other years, where prints - often floral or botanical - reign supreme.
Making the most of the heat, stunning ballgowns, sizable fascinators and dapper top hats were also all on display as hundreds of well-heeled race enthusiasts made the most of the hot weather which is a rarity in the UK.
Royal Ascot, known as the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, will welcome hundreds of thousands of punters during the five-day meet.
Whilst no dress code rules apply in the Windsor Enclosure, although the majority of guests choose to dress up regardless, a strict dress code operates across the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures.
Hats are a must in both Royal enclosures. Alternatively, a headpiece or 'hatinator' with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches (10cm) is also acceptable.
Dresses must be knee length or longer and forget spaghetti straps - all shoulders must be a minimum width of 1 inch (2.5cm).
Strapless, off-the-shoulder and one shoulder items are also banned in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures.
Shorts of any kind are not permitted. But having been included in the dress code since 1971, trouser suits remain a popular choice - although they mustn't be mismatched.
From 2017 onwards, jumpsuits have also been accepted as Ascot worthy, while men must stick to black dress shoes worn with ankle socks, but there are no footwear specifications for women.
The Royal Family - who are known to adore equestrian sports - make appearances at Royal Ascot every year.
The Prince of Wales attended Ascot solo last year as it came a couple of months after Kate first announced to the world that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
This year, William also went to the event without the Princess of Wales by his side, as he was pictured alongside his father, King Charles.
He instead sat beside Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud, a member of the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia, and opposite Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, as they made their way to the racecourse by carriage as other revellers looked on.
It has been reported that pulled out of attending the prestigious five-day meet at the last minute as she continues to 'find the right balance' following her battle with cancer.
Racegoers had been hoping to catch a glimpse of Kate as William was named as one of the figures awarding race prizes during day two of the festival.
Ascot officials had announced in a published list at 12pm that the Princess was due to be with William in the second carriage in the royal procession - which is marking its 200th anniversary this year.
But less than half an hour later, Kensington Palace confirmed just before 12.30pm that Kate would not be attending - and a revised carriage list was published by Ascot.
The history of fashion at Royal Ascot
Late 1700s
It was Beau Brummell, a close friend of the Prince Regent, who decreed that 'men of elegance should wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons' and this set the tone for the dress code that is still adhered to by men in the Royal Enclosure.
1830s
Queen Victoria's visit to Royal Ascot saw her arrive in a pretty lace dress with a full bell skirt and shawl. She also started a craze for the porter bonnet, shielding the wearer from male eyes.
1890s
As the dawn of a new century arrived, fashion took on an almost celebratory tone. Skirts were less full, but silhouettes made a greater statement with angular hips and puffed sleeves. Hats were large and full of feathers and adornments.
1900s
One of fashion's most iconic images; that of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady was inspired when costume designer Cecil Beaton saw images of Black Ascot, The 1910 Royal Ascot meeting was in full mourning over the death of King Edward.
1920s
Hemlines were shorter and cuts were smaller in the 1920s reflecting a post-war generation's rebellion against old traditions. Pearls and furs were the accessories of the day.
1950s
Christian Dior's New Look, a small waist and full skirt, was proving popular however it was when the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth and her stylish sister Princess Margaret wore the style at Royal Ascot that it was cemented in history.
1960s
Royal Ascot's glamorous profile elevated when Italian actress Sophia Loren was photographed in the Royal Enclosure. In modern times some of the biggest names in Hollywood and fashion have attended.
1970s
Trouser suits became more popular following their introduction to the dress code in 1971. Gertrude Shilling, The Ascot Mascot, delighted the press with her extravagant outfits. One year, one of her son David's millinery designs outgrew the Shilling's long-wheel-based Rolls Royce, so the hat had to follow in a van behind.
1980s
Sharp lines and bright colours took centre stage during this decade. With statement hats and pointed heels, there was little room for floaty florals in 1980s glamour.
2012
Royal Ascot officially launches its Style Guide to racegoers outlining dress code regulations for the Royal Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure (formally known as Grandstand).
2017
The jumpsuit is formally accepted in the Royal Enclosure Dress Code and the Queen Anne Enclosure Dress Code is extended to the new Village Enclosure.
2018
Royal Ascot introduces Style Guides for the Village Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure.
2020
Royal Ascot runs behind closed doors for the first time in the event's history during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
2021
Navy morning suits were permitted in the Royal Enclosure.
Source: Royal Ascot
MailOnline understands the Princess was 'disappointed' not to be in attendance 'but she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements'.
However, Kate's mother Carole Middleton did attend on Wednesday - alongside her daughter-in-law Alizee Thevenet, the wife of Kate's brother James Middleton.
The 43-year-old Princess has been making a gradual return to public duties since it was announced in January that she was in remission from cancer.
But in the past week she has attended three high-profile events - Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London.
The King and Queen were joined at Wednesday's event by Zara and Mike Tindall, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Charles also hosted Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of his late aunt Princess Margaret and a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. She was joined on the fourth carriage with her artist husband, Daniel Chatto.
Despite her closeness to Her late Majesty, Lady Sarah is known for keeping a low profile, and while she's attended Ascot in the past, she's not regularly seen with the royal family, aside from a handful of key events.
The King and Queen, both fans of racing, were also joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
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