THE SHOW MUST GO ON!! QUEEN ARRIVES AT ASCOT AS PRINCE PHILIP RECOVERS A...

QUEEN ARRIVES AT ASCOT AS PRINCE PHILIP RECOVERS AT HOME



Her husband Prince Philip is recovering at home after being discharged from hospital, but the Queen is determined to stick rigorously to her schedule.

The monarch attended Royal Ascot, one of her favourite events of the year, without her husband for the second day running with Prince Andrew stepping up to accompany her in the traditional carriage procession.

Her Majesty was resplendent in a fuchsia coat and hat, showing no signs of fatigue after a busy two days that saw her attend the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, before nipping back to Windsor to host a lunch and make it to Ascot in time for the first race.

Today, she was back again to present the prestigious Gold Cup, won by Big Orange who held off a late charge by defending champion Order of St George to win a thrilling edition of the feature race.

The winner's jockey James Doyle took the plaudits for a superb ride, but his heart went out to Italian star Frankie Dettori, who should have been riding him but for an injured arm that ruled him out of the meeting.

Despite the absence of her husband, the lifelong racing fan looked to be in her element, and beamed happily as she presented a prize to James Doyle.

Also in attendance this afternoon were her granddaughter's Beatrice and Eugenie who were equally fresh-faced after attending last night's V&A summer party.

Beatrice sported a blue dress and wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman, while her sister looked striking in fiery red.



Zaara Tindall took a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge's book and opted for a summery white frock, teamed with a bespoke rose pink cocktail hat by London milliner Juliette Botterill.

Sophie Wessex also plumped for a white midi dress, and looked especially excited to see her mother-in-law the Queen, waving excitedly as she pulled up in her carriage.



The Queen, who is a life-long horse breeder has a runner - Maths Prize - in the Britannia Stakes, which could give the monarch her 24th Royal Ascot winner.

But the royals were no doubt disappointed to be enjoying the afternoon without the Duke of Edinburgh who left hospital this morning after being treated for an infection which forced him to miss the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot.



The 96-year-old spent the last two nights King Edward VII's Hospital in London after suffering from an infection triggered by a 'pre-existing condition'.

The Duke, who was admitted on the advice of a doctor, left from the rear of the private hospital just before 10am today and was driven away.

The setback - which came amid a schedule of engagements that would challenge a man half his age - forced the Duke to miss the State Opening of Parliament and some of Royal Ascot.



Yesterday the Queen refused to miss one of the most important dates in her diary, despite having to attend the State Opening of Parliament.

Her Majesty gave the Queen's speech and arrived in time for the first race at 2.30, via a quick outfit change from blue brocade to sunny yellow.

Earlier in the day Labour MP Dennis Skinner left his cohorts in stitches as he joked about the Queen not wanting to miss one of her favourite events of the year.

As Black Rod invited MPs to the House of Commons to hear the Queen, Mr Skinner yelled: 'Yeah - better get your skates on, the first race is at half past two'.

MPs roared with laughter and even Black Rod, Lieutenant General David Leakey, smirked at the quip about Theresa May disrupting Her Majesty's racing plans.

Her Majesty will today present the trophy to the winner of the prestigious Gold Cup.



Yesterday the monarch left punters stumped after changing her hat, defying predictions she would wear blue.

'After seeing the Queen wear a blue hat for her speech in parliament, many punters expected her to remain in her clothing for Royal Ascot,' said Coral's John Hill.

'However, they were left disappointed when she was seen in her procession in a yellow hat, the second favourite in our betting.'