CATCH ME KATE
It’s fun and sun for Ascot royals after sad tragedy tributes
PRINCESS Kate helped stop Sophie Wessex slipping up at Ascot.
The 52-year-old lost her footing but Kate broke her fall, with both bursting into laughter seconds later.
The Queen went against the bookies by wearing a lime green outfit rather than the expected blue and wore a blanket despite the sizzling temperature in the traditional carriage ride.
The Royal Family joined the crowd in a minute’s silence for the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and terror attacks in London and Manchester.
Johnny Weatherby, chairman of Ascot Racecourse, said: “We have been deeply saddened by recent tragic events around the country.”
The racecourse is making a donation of £100,000 to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity and London Fire Relief Funds.
Elsewhere, strict dress codes were relaxed for the first time in centuries as racegoers sweltered in 30C temperatures.
Armed police patrolled the grounds alongside well-dressed punters including former England goalkeeper David Seaman as security was tightened.
Racegoers celebrated any wins with pints of lager, champagne and glasses of Pimms.
More than 300,000 people are expected to flock to the Berkshire racetrack before the meeting’s conclusion on Saturday.
Last year punters got through 51,000 bottles of champers as well as 131,000 pints of beer and 4,900 lobsters.
Insiders reckon thirsty fans will smash that in 2017 in the baking hot weather.
The Queen faces a rush to make it to the start of racing today as she must first attend the rescheduled state opening of Parliament in London.