Kate sparkled, William and Harry looked so dapper - pity about the race!

By SARAH OLIVER

Royal occasion: The Queen with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge along with Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice in the parade ring before the start of the Investec Derby


It was, in the end, the greatest show on turf.

Not the Derby, the classic flat race which is one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar, but the joyous family day out enjoyed very publicly by the Queen at Epsom Racecourse yesterday.

The biggest gathering of the Royal Family since the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rendered the disappointing third-place finish of her much-fancied colt Carlton House almost trifling.


Come on, Carlton House!: Kate and Wills and the Royal party watch the Queen's horse at the Epson Derby 2011



Young royals: Princes William and Harry, dressed to the nines in their suits arrive at the Epsom Derby, with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge at their side. Always the joker, Harry performs one of his silly walks


Family affair: They made their way to the royal enclosure to show support for the Queen's horse, Carlton House


Pink lady: The Queen arrives at the Epsom Derby in high spirits - and in a bright outfit - to cheer on her horse, which unfortunately did not win.


Kate dazzled in a collarless off-white jacket over a diaphanous white frock which showcased long legs shod in this season’s nude platform shoes.

On her head she wore a Forties-style cappuccino-coloured hat with her hair rolled tightly to the nape of her neck.

She was on the arm of her husband Prince William, resplendent in top hat and tails, accompanied by a similarly-clad Prince Harry.


Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, kept things simple, in a stylish off-white outfit with a nude-coloured fascinator



Relatively sane: Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice both made a reasonable recovery after the fashion disasters at the Royal Wedding


Deep in thought: William and Kate chat to a friend while the Queen watches the track, clutching her race programme


Hats off to them: The princes minus their top hats, with Kate


Come on! Eugenie and Harry shout some encouragement during the race


Their appearance alongside Prince Andrew with his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Princess Alexandra and Prince Philip at a private rather than a public occasion, underlined the astonishing sense of renewal within the Firm.

(Curiously, Kate’s mother Carole Middleton, a member of a racing syndicate, also had a horse running yesterday. It said much about the ease with which Kate has joined the Firm that she carried out her role with such aplomb while her mum mingled with the crowd.)

But if it was a regally united front, it was also a charmingly relaxed one.


Stylish: Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice look chic and summery in their outfits for the racing event - a far cry from the dresses they wore for their cousin's wedding



Nail-biting: The Queen looks as though her mind might be on her horse's performance as grandson Harry looks on in the background


A right royal gathering: The Queen enjoys her family's company at Epsom


From the moment the Queen stepped from her Rolls-Royce to the strains of the National Anthem played by the Central Band of the RAF at 1pm, she appeared at her ease.

At 3.30pm she strode across to the parade ground to see Carlton House, named after a historic London Royal residence, being walked around the ring by his stable girl.

She laughed and chatted with other owners, her mood doubtless reflecting the fact that her horse had been declared 5-2 favourite by the bookies.

By 4pm, it seemed that more eyes were on the Royal Box, garlanded in Her Majesty’s racing colours of red, purple and gold, than were watching her longstanding jockey Ryan Moore as he entered the stalls.


Mum's the word: Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, was also at Epsom today. Right, the young royals enjoying the racing action


Horses for courses: Mickael Barzalona riding Pour Moi (second left, blue) challenges wide and late to win the Investec Derby. The Queen's horse Carlton House is fourth from left (jockey in red and purple top) - and finished third


Champion: Jockey Mickael Barzalona celebrates winning the Investec Derby on Pour Moi


Great white: Kate dazzled the crowd in a white dress while Princess Beatrice keeps hold of her hair


The 120,000-strong crowd, excitement and anticipation rising as the late-afternoon sun warmed the Epsom Downs, did a poor job of disguising their partisan support.

But if they’d hoped to see the Queen biting her nails, they were disappointed for she remained to the rear of the Royal Balcony, perhaps unable to watch the running of the one-and-a-half-mile course with its tortuous inclines and deceptive cambers.

To the fore, Sophie Wessex covered her eyes with her hands as Prince Harry punched the air and Beatrice and Eugenie hopped with excitement.


Dazzling: Newlywed Kate, still tanned from her recent honeymoon, smiles broadly while Eugenie watches the fourth race at Epsom


Fun day out: Kate and Eugenie share a joke at the races


This sporting life: The royals, including Prince Andrew (right) gather to watch the horses in action


Glowing: Sophie, Duchess of Wessex looked smart in a champagne silk skirt suit and large feathered hat


Nice day for a flutter: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward at Epsom


source: dailymail

Rehabilitated Royals: After THAT wedding fashion debacle, Beatrice and Eugenie pick winners at Epsom

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Picked winners: The Princesses of York, Eugenie (L) and Beatrice (R) stood out for the right reasons at Epsom


The Queen's horse may not have taken first place at Epsom but her nieces Beatrice and Eugenie certainly picked winners on Derby day.

Following the infamous 'Pretzel-gate' fascinator debacle at the Royal Wedding, the two young Princesses turned heads for all the right reasons on a day when everyone was dressed to the nines.

Kate - as expected - dazzled in a collarless off-white jacket over a diaphanous white frock which showcased long legs shod in this season’s nude platform shoes.


Hold on to that hat! Eugenie keeps a careful hand on the brim of her headware


On her head she wore a Forties-style cappuccino-coloured hat with her hair rolled tightly to the nape of her neck.

But there was no repeat of the wedding fiasco for Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, who looked chic and summery in their outfits on the Royal Balcony.

Eugenie wore a classic-looking white dress with black polka dots, topped off with a wide-brimmed white hat with black rim.


Hats better! The girls looked radiant in their milinery


Concentrate: The Princesses join their father Prince Andrew in the Royal box


Beatrice opted for an eye-catching floral-print dress with a white rose-style fascinator.

This big day in the sport of Kings has been historically unlucky for the Queen and once again she had to be satisfied with third place as her much-fancied colt Carlton House couldn't quite come up to the big occasion.

But the classic flat race, one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar, proved to be a joyous family day out and the biggest gathering of the Royal Family since the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.


Fashion faux pas: The Princesses were roundly criticised for their Royal Wedding outfits

source: dailymail

Kate and Wills enjoy a day at the races... and the Queen keeps smiling

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Young royals: Princes William and Harry, dressed to the nines in their suits arrive at the Epsom Derby, with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge at their side. Always the joker, Harry performs one of his silly walks


Newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were all smiles today as they enjoyed a day at the races, accompanied by royal jester Prince Harry.

The trio were clearly enjoying a chuckle as they made their way into the royal enclosure at today's Investec Derby at Epsom.

Even the Queen managed to keep a smile on her face, in spite of the fact her horse lost its race.

Despite being a favourite to win the Derby in today's race tournament, colt Carlton House - the 5-2 favourite - finished third of the 13 runners.


Family affair: They made their way to the royal enclosure to show support for the Queen's horse, Carlton House



Pink lady: The Queen arrives at the Epsom Derby in high spirits - and in a bright outfit - to cheer on her horse, which unfortunately did not win. Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, keeps things simple, in a stylish off-white outfit with a nude-coloured fascinator. Meanwhile Prince Harry cuts a dashing figure in his top hat and tails


French raider Pour Moi, ridden by Mickael Barzalona and trained by Andre Fabre, won the race at odds of 6-4 while second place went to 25-1 outsider Treasure Beach.

Earlier in the afternoon the royals arrived in their sartorial finery at the Epsom Derby, one of the biggest events in the racing calendar.

The Queen look resplendent in a bright pink ensemble, finished off with a matching hat.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked every inch the royal couple as they made their entrance with Prince Harry.


Deep in thought: William and Kate chat to a friend while the Queen watches the track, clutching her race programme


Hats off to them: The princes minus their top hats, with Kate


Come on! Eugenie and Harry shout some encouragement during the race


Kate looked stunning in a simple, yet stylish, off-white two-piece complemented by a nude fascinator.

Meanwhile, Princes Harry and William cut dashing figures in their top hats and tails.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie might have shaken off the last of the put-downs over the disastrous outfits they wore at the Royal Wedding last month, when they stepped out in chic and summery dresses.


Stylish: Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice look chic and summery in their outfits for the racing event - a far cry from the dresses they wore for their cousin's wedding



Nail-biting: The Queen looks as though her mind might be on her horse's performance as grandson Harry looks on in the background


A right royal gathering: The Queen enjoys her family's company at Epsom


The two princesses looked relaxed and happy as they entered the royal enclosure.

At odds of 5-2, Carlton House had long been a favourite on win the race but there were doubts over him taking part after he developed swelling in a foreleg following a work-out on Monday.

Earlier today, the horse had been declared fit to run in the Derby.


Mum's the word: Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, was also at Epsom today. Right, the young royals enjoying the racing action


Horses for courses: Mickael Barzalona riding Pour Moi (second left, blue) challenges wide and late to win the Investec Derby. The Queen's horse Carlton House is fourth from left (jockey in red and purple top) - and finished third


Champion: Jockey Mickael Barzalona celebrates winning the Investec Derby on Pour Moi


The three-year-old showed no ill-effects following an easy canter in Newmarket yesterday morning, according to connections of the colt, which is trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

John Warren, racing manager for the Queen, said: 'He's done a nice couple of canters and a bit of light work.'

Ryan Moore had ridden him and 'we're all on' for today, Mr Warren said.



Dazzling: Newlywed Kate, still tanned from her recent honeymoon, smiles broadly while Eugenie watches the fourth race at Epsom


Fun day out: Kate and Eugenie share a joke at the races


He added: 'Everyone involved has wanted to keep it in the public domain. Everything that we know, the public ought to know.

'The Queen is very well-informed and the public are really well-informed.

'We understand how big the betting side of it is and hopefully everyone is all the wiser about what is going on.


This sporting life: The royals, including Prince Andrew (right) gather to watch the horses in action


Binoculars at the ready: The Duke of Edinburgh came prepared for the event


'Obviously the Queen has been through this and the trainer has been through injuries just before a race as well, so it's not new territory, but it's territory that one would prefer to do without, to be honest.

'I think now the emphasis has moved away from the issue and into the excitement of the event.

'Owning racehorses and breeding racehorses is really what this is all about and Epsom is the pinnacle of all of that.'

Sohraab, a horse partly owned by the Duchess of Cambridge's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, ran in the Investec Entrepreneurial Class 'Dash' at the 3.15pm race before the Derby.


Glowing: Sophie, Duchess of Wessex looked smart in a champagne silk skirt suit and large feathered hat



Nice day for a flutter: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward at Epsom


source: dailymail

Just another soldier or the heir to the throne? Busby-wearing Prince William blends in during horseback drill

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Long may he rein: Most of the tourists and onlookers will not have recognised the Duke


Dressed in a red guardsman's uniform, riding confidently with one white-gloved hand on the reins and the other at his side, this could be any other soldier rehearsing for Trooping the Colour.

But take a closer look, for there is something distinctly familiar about this particular soldier.

One day he will reign as King, but today the Duke of Cambridge was holding the reins of a distinctive mottled grey horse called Wellesley.


Familiar face: The bottom half of Prince William's face is just about visible under his hat


Prince William rode down The Mall from Buckingham Palace on a horse today as he took part in a rehearsal for Trooping the Colour - a ceremony held in honour of his own grandmother's to celebrate her birthday.


Most of the tourists and onlookers will not have recognised the Duke, whose eyes were shaded by his traditional tall hat.

William rode behind the Duke of Kent, Colonel Scots Guards.


Trooping the Colour: The Duke of Cambridge is taking part in the ceremony to honour his grandmother, The Queen



First time: William, who served in the Blues and Royals, has not ridden at Trooping the Colour before


Spot the royal: After about an hour at Horse Guards Parade, the procession made its way back down The Mall


The event, known as the Colonel's Review, takes place a week before Trooping the Colour, which marks the Queen's official birthday.

Hundreds of soldiers were out on display for the ceremonial occasion, parading along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade in bright sunshine.

William, who served in the Blues and Royals, has not ridden at Trooping the Colour before.

After about an hour at Horse Guards Parade, the procession made its way back down The Mall.

The cavalry appeared as a sea of red shimmering the heat, with William at the centre.


Pomp and ceremony: The soldiers make their way to the Horse Guards Parade to take part in the Colonel's Review


Ceremonial: Soldiers from the Irish Guard make their way to the Horse Guards Palace with their mascot, an Irish wolfhound


He was wearing the same red tunic of the Irish Guards, with a blue sash, that he chose for his wedding ceremony.

But he donned a bearskin rather than forage cap.

William was was made Colonel of the Irish Guards in February.

He rode the horse around into the palace forecourt, holding the animal steady for five minutes as the ceremonial parade came to an end.


Attention: Soldiers from the Grenadier Guards take part in the Colonel's Review


Line up: The cavalry appeared as a sea of red shimmering in the heat


And as he and the Duke of Kent turned to ride into the Palace grounds the band struck up the national anthem.

William will also take part in Trooping the Colour next Saturday.

A Palace spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm that The Duke of Cambridge will take part in The Queen's Birthday parade.

'He will ride as Colonel of the Irish Guards.

'All Royal Colonels of the Foot Guards including The Prince of Wales (who will ride as Colonel of the Welsh Guards) ride together as determined by the Major General of the Household Division.'


source: dailymail