Outrageous hats were all the rage at Royal Ascot as punters gambling on the colour of the Queen’s hat correctly guessed green.

Racegoers were quids in after picking the right colour for the fourth day running – a feat which left the bookies cursing their bad luck.

Princess Beatrice and her mother Sarah, Duchess of York at Royal Ascot.(Steve Parsons/PA)
Princess Beatrice and her mother Sarah, Duchess of York at Royal Ascot (Steve Parsons/PA)

Among the creative hats seen at the Berkshire course was a woman wearing a Spitfire and another who had a large floral display surrounded by a star.

Brilliant sunshine had the Royal Ascot crowds enjoying the summer weather as much as the racing, which is a highlight of the Queen’s year.

Tracy Rose wearing a striking hat at Royal Ascot (Nigel French/PA)
Tracy Rose wearing a striking hat at Royal Ascot (Nigel French/PA)

The head of state wore an Angela Kelly ensemble – a grass green wool coat worn with a dress embroidered with summer flowers and a matching hat.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “You have to take your hat off to punters, we have never had such a bad run in the Queen’s Hat betting.”

The Queen and a guest arrive at Royal Ascot in the traditional carriage procession. (John Walton/PA)
The Queen arrives at Royal Ascot in the traditional carriage procession (John Walton/PA)

Princess Beatrice, wearing a dress by The Fold and a Sarah Cant hat, was joined at the event by her mother Sarah, Duchess of York who wore a Roland Mouret outfit and a hat by Philip Treacy.

Former England footballer Michael Owen was among the famous faces invited to present prizes to the winning jockeys, owners and trainers.