Celebrity appearances at the Melbourne Cup Carnival that have stopped the nation over the years
It's racing season again and Australia is eagerly waiting for the race that stops the nation.
The celebrity guest at the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival is The White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan.
Over the years, we've had some huge names fly into Australia for the racing carnival, including the likes of Paris Hilton, Paris Jackson, Lady Kitty Spencer and Lindsay Lohan.
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We've had some huge names fly into Australia for the Melbourne Cup; this year's guest is Michelle Monaghan. Getty
We've even had royalty, including the late Princess Diana in the 80s, and even Queen Mary; who attended the 2002 Melbourne Cup with now-King Frederik of Denmark, before their marriage.
Here, 9honey Celebrity takes a look at some of the biggest stars who attended the coveted event over the years and made show-stopping appearances that we still talk about to this day.
Watch the video above.
Paris and Nicky Hilton, 2003
Paris and Nicky Hilton - and Rob 'Millsy' Mills - stole the show at the Melbourne Cup in 2003. Fiona-Lee Quimby/Nine archives
Who could forget this one?
One of the most memorable celebrity sightings at the Melbourne Cup was Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton in 2003.
Paris was the talk of the town when she was linked to former Australian Idol contestant Rob Mills during her stay – not to mention her controversial choice of outfit for the occasion.
Paris was the talk of the town when she was linked to Rob Mills during her stay. The Age/ Paul Harris
Mills addressed the short-lived fling in an interview with the Life Uncut podcast, saying it was "disrespectful" to keep bringing it up.
"For some people, they are just remembered for one thing, but I have a lot more to offer," the singer said.
"It's always brought up and it's disrespectful for her, disrespectful for me and it's disrespectful for my fiancee."
Despite her sister previously making headlines, Nicky made an appearance at Cup Day last year, wearing a stunning lemon yellow outfit and matching diamonds for the red carpet.
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Nicky made another appearance at Cup Day last year. Getty
Princess Diana, 1985
The late Princess Diana attended the Melbourne Cup in 1985 with then-husband Prince Charles, who is now King.
The appearance was part of their royal tour that same year.
For the appearance, all eyes were on the Princess of Wales as she stepped out in a black and white blazer with a black skirt and matching wide-brimmed black and white hat.
Charles said a speech during the appearance as Diana stood back, accessoring her look with pearl-drop earrings and black gloves.
Queen Mary and King Frederik, 2002
This one is for the history books.
Now happily married and King and Queen of Denmark, Queen Mary and King Frederik once enjoyed a date day at the races, attending the Melbourne Cup festivities when they were dating.
The now-King and Queen of Denmark enjoyed a day at the races in Melbourne during their time dating. Regis Martin/Getty Images
They smitten pair were spotted by the racetrack back in 2002, and back then, Mary was known by her maiden name, Mary Donaldson.
At the time, she looked chic in a black lace slip dress and matching lace hat.
After meeting in Australia in 2000, they went on to marry in 2004 in Copenhagen.
Back then, Mary was known by her maiden name, Mary Donaldson. Danielle Smith
Lady Kitty Spencer, 2019
Princess Diana's niece, Lady Kitty Spencer, attended Melbourne Cup Day in 2019.
She was a guest of Lexus at the Victoria Racing Club and stunned in a grey and pink shaded dress.
"My first time visiting Australia was for the Melbourne Cup so there's sentimental value for me to be back here but also it's such an iconic Australian tradition," Princess Diana's niece told The Australian.
"It's just something that I'm so happy to have been invited back to and I've hoped to come back."
She last attended the Cup in 2015.
Geri Halliwell, 2013
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell attended Cup Day back in 2013, wearing a white lace dress and putting on gloves to pose with the cup.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the singer slapped down $500 on a bet and later sweetly donated her winnings to the Melbourne's Children's Hospital.
Other big names seen at the races during racing season over the years include the likes of athelete Usain Bolt, Lindsay Lohan and even Snoop Dogg.
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