Royal Ascot Kicks Off with Glamour as Beatrice and Zara Steal the Show

The excitement of Royal Ascot has begun, but this year, the spotlight was momentarily dimmed by the absence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

While King Charles and Queen Camilla graced the Berkshire racecourse with their presence, William and Kate were notably missing from the festivities on the opening day.

Instead of mingling with other royals, the couple had prior commitments that kept them away from the track.

Kate Middleton was busy reopening the National Portrait Gallery in London, a significant event following a three-year refurbishment.

Dressed in a chic self-portrait blazer dress, she made quite an impression on her outing.

Meanwhile, Prince William was at St. George's Park, England's National Football Centre, where he met with the women's football team.

With the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup just around the corner, William took the opportunity to wish the players good luck as they prepare for the tournament set to take place in Australia and New Zealand this July.

Despite the absence of the Waleses, the royal family was well represented at Royal Ascot.

Among those present were the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the ever-stylish Princess Beatrice, who turned heads in a stunning Sonia Budd dress from Belua London.

Beatrice's ensemble was elevated by a striking silk bow headband, priced at £480, and a pair of Chanel cap toe slingback pumps, which cost a whopping £870.

Her long strawberry blonde locks were elegantly styled back in a ponytail, allowing the pink silk bow to take center stage.

The only jewelry she wore was her diamond engagement ring from Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, keeping her look effortlessly chic.

Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike, also made a fashionable appearance despite the rainy weather.

Zara dazzled in a pink and green dress from Leo Lin, complemented by a chic straw boater hat designed by Sarah Kent, adorned with a pale pink ribbon.

Her choice of footwear, sovereign heels embellished with gold gems, added a touch of glamour to her outfit.

Mike, ever the gentleman, donned traditional attire complete with a top hat, tails, and pinstripe trousers.

He accessorized with a cream rose on his lapel, harmonizing beautifully with Zara's dress.

As always, Zara's look was curated by stylist Annie Moll, who paired her dress with a bespoke Zara Kent boater hat and an elegant Anya Hindmarch clutch bag.

Zara's floral print dress, crafted from heatwave-proof linen, was perfect for the summer day.

Royal fans couldn't help but take to social media to share their admiration for both Beatrice and Zara's outfits, noting their impeccable style and elegance.

Last year, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the fourth day of the races, showcasing their own elegant fashion choices.

Kate wore a stunning white and brown polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich, accessorized with Princess Diana's iconic diamond and South Sea pearl earrings.

The royal couple has been quite busy in recent days, recently participating in the King's birthday parade, known as Trooping the Colour, in central London.

William even joined his father on horseback during the grand event, alongside other prominent royals.

As Royal Ascot continues throughout the week, fans are left wondering if the Prince and Princess of Wales will make an appearance in the days to come.

For now, the focus remains on the radiant styles of Princess Beatrice and Zara Tindall, who have undoubtedly set the bar high for royal fashion at this year's event.