Flamboyant racegoers show off creative hats as sun shines on Royal Ascot

Off to the races! Prince William and Duchess Kate stepped out in style at the 2022 Royal Ascot.

Prince William and Kate Middleton led the arrivals at Royal Ascot this afternoon, with the duchess looking the spitting image of Princess Diana.

Prince William and Kate Middleton had a surprise for royal fans on Friday.

Michael Owen made a surprise appearance as he stepped out to enjoy day one of Royal Ascot on Tuesday.MORE: Michael Owen breaks silence as daughter Gemma causes a stir on Love IslandThe 42-year-old looked especially dapper in his dark grey three-piece suit which he teamed with a polka dot baby blue tie and a crisp white shirt. He finished off his formal attire with a pristine black top hat.WATCH: Charles and Camilla lead royal procession on day two of AscotTaking to his Instagram account, the dad-of-four shared an upbeat picture at the Berkshire racecourse, along with the caption: "Best week of the year.

Eamonn Holmes gave fans personal insight into his week at Royal Ascot by sharing a sweet selfie with his rarely-seen daughter Rebecca.MORE: Eamonn Holmes shares rare photo with daughter Rebecca to mark 'wonderful' family newsTaking to Instagram on Thursday, the former This Morning host revealed he treated his only daughter to a day at the glamourous week-long event in honour of her 31st birthday.WATCH: Eamonn Holmes announces he is going to be a grandfatherHe uploaded the gorgeous snap alongside the caption: "Birthday day out at #royalascot for my one and only daughter Becca [heart emoji]. Laughter is the best present I tell her x."MORE: Eamonn Holmes shares rare family photo with all four childrenREAD: Eamonn Holmes gets candid about the pressure he faces in TV industryFans were delighted to see the heartwarming post, and rushed to comment underneath.

Nick Knowles looked especially dapper as he stepped out to enjoy the third day of Royal Ascot alongside his girlfriend Katie Dadzie.MORE: Nick Knowles's romance with new girlfriend, 31, revealedTaking to his Instagram account, the 59-year-old updated his Stories with a sweet selfie of the duo dressed up to the nines. Opting for a dark tailcoat, the DIY SOS presenter was all smiles in his formal top hat.

James Martin tends to keep his relationship with long-term partner Louise Davies on the down-low, so it was a welcome surprise to see the couple attend Royal Ascot on Thursday.READ: James Martin shares regret about not getting married and having kidsDressed to the nines for Ladies' Day, the celebrity chef and his TV producer girlfriend looked fabulous in their attire - with Louise wearing a midnight blue silky number and James in a three-piece suit complete with a top hat.WATCH: Royals arrive for day one of Royal AscotLouise, who has been in a relationship with James since 2011, added a statement white hat and a vibrant red handbag to her look. She appeared to be in great spirits, strolling along the course arm-in-arm with James.MORE: James Martin supported by girlfriend Louise Davies during rare glamorous night outSEE: James Martin surprises fans with rare photo of his mumThe celebrity chef and TV presenter rarely comments on his romance with Louise, however, in 2019, he revealed he has no plans to propose or start a family.When asked about plans to walk down the aisle, James told the Sunday People: "No, it doesn't interest me in the slightest, mainly because I've catered for so many weddings, really.

Eamonn Holmes donned his dapper attire as he stepped out to enjoy a day at the races at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.READ: Eamonn Holmes suffers major health setback: statementTaking to his Instagram account, the broadcast journalist posted an upbeat picture at the Berkshire racecourse. He opted for a dark grey suit, a shimmery champagne tie and a light grey top hat.WATCH: Eamonn Holmes opens up about health 'nightmare' nobody warned him aboutHe finished off his suave get-up with a pair of gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses.

Dame Deborah James was spotted chatting and smiling with married presenter duo Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford during a day out at Royal Ascot on Wednesday 15 June. The 40 year old podcast host, who is receiving end-of-life care for bowel cancer, wore an elegant look for the annual horse racing event, which featured a polka dot dress, gladiator sandals and a large straw hat as she posed for snaps with the pair trackside. The trio seemed to be enjoying catching up in between races as Ruth knelt down by Deborah's side and place her hand over the mum-of-two's.

horse racing fans and milliners have in common? They both love the Royal Ascot, of course, one of the biggest events of the year for horse racing. While the event is centred on the equine sport, it is also a stage for hat-lovers to come and show off their headgear – the more gravity-defying, the better. Hats are part of the women’s dress code at the Royal Ascot, which allows headpieces with a “solid base of four inches or more in diameter” as an alternative to a hat, but does not allow fascinators.

also attended by Michael Owen. After revealing she’s on a mission to work her way through all the cocktails while she can, Dame Deborah posed for pictures in her wheelchair and looked glam in a black and white polka dot dress with a frilled white collar. The mum-of-two completed her look with a straw sun hat and safely stowed her sunglasses on the neckline of her frock.

The roar of the crowds, the thunder of hooves, the rejoicing and the commiserations - there's nothing quite like the races.