Kate Middleton and King Charles missing as senior royals head to Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot was flush with royals when the world-famous meeting welcomed members of the monarchy for a day at the races. The Queen led the way during the second day of the Berkshire event that saw the stands filled with racegoers and the royal box entertaining Camilla's guests, with only the Princess of Wales and the King missing.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, were among those waiting to greet the royal procession when it entered the parade ring and Sophie was joined by her father Christopher Rhys-Jones. The Princess Royal was spotted with daughter Zara Tindall and her husband former rugby international Mike Tindall, and the Yorks were out in force with Princess Beatrice with partner Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Eugenie with spouse Jack Brooksbank.

Sarah, Duchess of York, who made a surprise public appearance with the royals at Sandringham on Christmas day, was also in the parade ring. The Prince of Wales had travelled in a carriage with Camilla and invited to Royal Ascot were his parents-in-law Carole and Michael Middleton.

It is believed to be their first appearance at a major event since it was announced in March Kate had begun a bout of chemotherapy treatment following a cancer diagnosis after abdominal surgery in January. Kate revealed in a statement on Friday she is making "good progress" in her treatment but candidly said she has "good days and bad days" and although she has been working from home, stressed "I am not out of the woods yet".

Charles, who is also being treated for cancer, was working in London and was pictured earlier meeting the President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema at Buckingham Palace. As the royals mingled in the parade ring William appeared fascinated by a large tassel on Eugenie's wide-brimmed hat and joked with his cousin and her sister Beatrice about the accessory. In the parade ring Zara greeted members of her family with her trademark enveloping hug and joked and laughed.