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Royal family: Meghan shines at her Royal Ascot debut

Gabrielle Boyle

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Even before the carriage carrying the newlyweds entered the royal enclosure at Royal Ascot Racecourse, the crowd erupted into applause.

Live pictures of Harry and Meghan on route were being projected onto a massive screen, and the crowd went wild.

The Duchess received cheers and applause as she entered the venue. Picture: Getty

The Duchess received cheers and applause as she entered the venue. Picture: Getty AAP

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It's an understatement to say that Harry and Meghan are the flavour of the month in the UK.

The public just can't get enough of this loved-up duo. And it's not hard to see why.

As their horse drawn carriage entered the stadium, Meghan was the picture of elegance.

The new royal wore a hat by go-to milliner Philip Treacy, coupled with a fresh and floaty white Givenchy knee-length dress. Picture: Getty

The new royal wore a hat by go-to milliner Philip Treacy, coupled with a fresh and floaty white Givenchy knee-length dress. Picture: Getty Getty

A striking, streamlined black and white hat by go-to royal milliner Philip Treacy, coupled with a fresh and floaty white Givenchy knee-length dress.

Her husband didn't disappoint either. Harry looked dapper in his day suit, complete with top-hat.

The Queen wore a yellow Angela Kelly ensemble, making her easy to spot among the crowds of racegoers mingling in the royal enclosure.

The strict dress code states that ladies must wear a hat or headpiece which has a solid base of 10 centimetres, while dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer. Men must wear suits, and must not under any circumstances turn up without socks! Picture: Getty

The strict dress code states that ladies must wear a hat or headpiece which has a solid base of 10 centimetres, while dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer. Men must wear suits, and must not under any circumstances turn up without socks! Picture: Getty Getty

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She was joined by granddaughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, as well as Princess Anne.

Three hundred thousand racing enthusiasts are expected to visit Royal Ascot this week alone.

It is one of the most prestigious and popular events on the British social calendar.

The Queen was resplendent in a yellow Angela Kelly ensemble. Picture: Getty

The Queen was resplendent in a yellow Angela Kelly ensemble. Picture: Getty AAP

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This year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were not in attendance for the first day of racing.

Kate remains on maternity leave following the birth of her third child. William is expected to attend solo later this week.

As with any royal event, business comes before pleasure.  

The Queen arrives at the parade ring with Anne, Princess Royal. Picture: AAP

The Queen arrives at the parade ring with Anne, Princess Royal. Picture: AAP AAP

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Each at Ascot, carriages carrying the royal procession will leave Windsor Castle and enter the racecourse through the golden gates. Picture: Getty

Each at Ascot, carriages carrying the royal procession will leave Windsor Castle and enter the racecourse through the golden gates. Picture: Getty AAP

Half-an-hour before racing begins, there is a royal procession, a tradition which dates back to 1825.  

Each day, the Queen will first take lunch at Windsor Castle with a select group of royals and invited guests. This group changes each day.

After the lunch, carriages carrying the royal procession will leave Windsor Castle and enter the racecourse through the golden gates.  

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Prince Harry and Meghan arrived at the parade ring with Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Picture: AAP

Prince Harry and Meghan arrived at the parade ring with Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Picture: AAP AAP

The convoy then passes by thousands of onlookers in front of the grandstand.

Unlike many race events around the world, Royal Ascot is steeped in tradition.

As such, there are very rigid wardrobe rules.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were on hand to give out the winning trophy. Picture: Getty

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were on hand to give out the winning trophy. Picture: Getty Getty

The strict dress code states that ladies must wear a hat or headpiece which has a solid base of 10 centimetres, while dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer.

Men must wear suits, and must not under any circumstances turn up without socks!

Royal Ascot runs for a total of five days, so we can look forward to many more statements of style and sophistication in the coming days.

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