Prince William and Princess Kate Make First Royal Ascot Appearance

— -- Prince William and Princess Kate made their first visit to Royal Ascot today, accompanying Queen Elizabeth II.

Ascot is one of the preeminent thoroughbred racing venues in the U.K. and also one of the Monarch’s favorite events. Scores of Brits turn up in their finest finery and hats to enjoy the races.

Her Majesty, who is a well-known horse breeder, often has several of her own studs racing in the competition. It's not unusual to see the Queen, binoculars in hand, cheering on her own horses from the Royal Box.

Kate was dressed in a $5,500 cream lace Dolce & Gabbana tea-length dress and hat by Jane Taylor. The Queen wore a pastel pink coat and matching hat by Angela Kelly.

The Queen and Prince Philip were accompanied in the first carriage by former U.S. Ambassador to the UK William Farrish. Ambassador Farrish has become a close friend of the Queen, even hosting her at his Kentucky horse farm privately multiple times.

Prince Charles and Camilla followed in the second carriage. The Danish royals, Princess Mary and Prince Frederik, arrived with Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Countess of Wessex next with William and Kate following in the rear.

While all eyes are traditionally focused on Kate, Australian-born Princess Mary seemed to upstage the Duchess in the style stakes in a coral Marc Jacobs dress and cream colored fascinator accessorized with floral accents.

The royal family has been keen to support Her Majesty as she celebrates her 90th birthday. Prince Harry accompanied the Queen at the first day of Ascot Tuesday. William and Kate attended a garden party on Tuesday in Northern Ireland and presented the trophy for the Duke of Cambridge stakes today.