Royal Ascot: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lead carriage procession
William and Kate joined racegoers at the racecourse where the strict dress code was relaxed amid the heatwave gripping the UK
he Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in the lead carriage in the traditional royal procession at Ascot on Friday.
William and Kate have not attended the famous Berkshire meeting for a number of years and hopes were high this year they would take their seat in the royal box.
The couple led the group of royal guests in the traditional procession. The couple waved and smiled at the crowds.
In the following carriage were Peter Phillips and his girlfriend Lindsay Wallace, who attended a number of events with the Queen's grandson over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
Again the Queen was missing from the famous racecourse.
The Prime Minister’s wife Carrie Johnson was among the arrivals as racegoers enjoyed the sunshine.
The event has relaxed its famously strict dress code allowing men to ditch their ties for the first time ever in a bid to give punters some reprieve as they watch the races in scorching temperatures.
Men can remove their ties for the first time ever in the history of the sport, and can also take off their jackets.
However, all male attendees are still required to turn up in morning dress which must include a waistcoat, top hat and shoes worn with socks.
“Following the arrival of the Royal Procession the dress code will be relaxed in all enclosures,” a Royal Ascot spokesperson said.
“We are also allowing guests in all enclosures to bring water and soft drinks on site.”
Berkshire, where the races are held, is forecast to reach a sizzling high of 31C by 3pm.
The Royal Ascot is famous for its formal dress code.
Women are required to wear dresses and skirts “of modest length”, and dresses and tops need to have straps of one inch or greater. Women also need to don a hat or headpiece.
Racegoers arrive on Day Four during Royal Ascot 2022
/ Getty ImagesDay four of Royal Ascot will feature two races - Europe’s best fillies will race in the Coronation Stakes and a field of young sprinters will contest the Commonwealth Cup.
Gates opened at 10.30am and the first race at 2.30pm.
Temperatures have soared across much of Britain on Friday, with the London Fire Brigade issuing a warning that there will be a high risk of fires due to the heatwave.
The Met Office said London and potentially some spots in East Anglia are most likely to reach a in the low-tomid 30Cs, making it the hottest day of the year so far.