ROYAL Ascot started yesterday (June 18), kicking off with more spectacular hats, dresses and the arrival of the Royals.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the Queen for a day at the races - taking part in Royal Ascot's famous carriage procession.

The Queen, who was dressed in blue, arrived in her carriage alongside King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and his wife Queen Maxima.

The event is expected to attract around 300,000 racegoers over the next five days.

Many have travelled far and wide to attend the opening day, including Deirdre Hemera, who travelled with her partner Bill Colgan all the way from New Zealand to be at Royal Ascot.

She said: "We will be coming for four days.

"We are staying in Reading and doing a tour around the UK and Ireland to go to the Irish Derby."

Another visitor to the races, Judith, travelled from Chesterfield.

She said: "I have been here four times and love it.

"We are also coming tomorrow - I am very excited for to to begin but I just hope the rain doesn't get any worse!"

Scroll through our gallery to see all the fun of the first day.