Off to the races! Kate Middleton took first place for showstopping headwear on day two of the Royal Ascot, held in Berkshire, England, on Wednesday, June 15.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 34, looked posh in a feathered, netted and floral-adorned Jane Taylor creation. From the front, the ivory design’s circular shape and intricate rose and dove-feather appliqués were clearly visible. But when the duchess turned to the side, the headpiece came off as a slender fascinator with a flirty, feminine vibe.
The mother of George, 2, and Charlotte, 15 months, paired the jaw-dropping hat with a lacy, white tea-length frock by Dolce & Gabbana and nude heels. Middleton attended the famous horse race with her husband, Prince William, who donned a morning coat with an equally eye-catching top hat.
On the way there, the pair followed Queen Elizabeth II (who wore a pink outfit by Stewart Parvin and hat by Angela Kelly), Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla Parker Bowles in a procession of three open-top carriages. The horse-drawn vehicles made their way to the royal box, where Middleton intently watched the first race, at which one of the queen’s own horses, Light Music, competed.
While Light Music did not take home first place, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge presented the winner, Usherette, and her jockey with the Duke of Cambridge Stakes trophy.
The second day of the Royal Ascot came on the heels of an announcement that Prince William will start a task force on LGBTQ bullying. “The Duke of Cambridge is working hard to support the fight against bullying and to help break the stigma around mental health,” a Kensington Palace spokesman said in a statement. “He has established a task force on the prevention of cyberbullying and, along with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, is leading the Heads Together campaign on mental health and well-being. He knows that LGBT young people suffer unacceptably high rates of bullying, and he was grateful to Attitude for facilitating such a serious conversation on this topic. He was moved by the stories he heard and impressed by the positivity and courage of the people he met.”
Along with the task force, William also revealed that he’s the cover star of UK-based gay magazine Attitude. “The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now,” he told the mag. “Their sense of strength and optimism should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it.”
What do you think of Kate’s Royal Ascot accessory?
