As day three of Royal Ascot kicks off, the royal ladies stunned in their glamorous dresses and race day best, despite the sweltering heat at the Berkshire racecourse

The royal ladies stepped out in their finest racing looks to kick off day three of Royal Ascot(Image: PA)

Princess Beatrice, Duchess Sophie and Zara Tindall have made their glamorous entrance to day three of Royal Ascot, stunning onlookers in their elegant ensembles as they made their way onto the racecourse for the royal procession.

For the third day in a row, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the procession in the first carriage. Following closely behind in the second carriage was Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, alongside Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence.

In the third carriage, Princess Beatrice was joined by her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Zara and Mike Tindall rode in the fourth carriage, as they followed the royal procession around the track and into the royal suite.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, rode with Princess Anne in the royal procession to kick off day three of Royal Ascot (Image: PA)

Beatrice, Sophie and Zara stole the show during the procession, with all three women showcasing glamorous racing attire, in keeping with the strict dress code. Duchess Sophie wore a white long-sleeved dress that featured a whimsical green leaf detail. To match, she donned a white lace hat, complete with pops of green flowers.

Zara Tindall stunned in a white shirt-style dress, complete with black trimmings for an effortlessly chic look. She paired the stunning frock with a matching black and white wide-brimmed hat and black earrings.

Princess Beatrice opted for a pop of colour with a bright yellow high-neck dress that featured a summery blue and white floral design. She teamed the elegant dress with a white lace headpiece and had her hair swept back in a stylish up-do.

Zara Tindall looked effortlessly chic in a black and white ensemble for the royal procession(Image: PA)

Today marks the third day of the five-day meet at the Ascot racecourse in Berkshire, with royals and racegoers alike searching for a shady spot as they swelter through a 30 degree day.

The third royal procession comes after Princess Kate dropped out of the event yesterday at the last minute, leaving many confused after her name was printed in the official Royal Ascot program.

Princess Beatrice leaned into summer as she donned a floral yellow dress for a sweltering day at Royal Ascot(Image: PA)

Less than two hours before Princess Kate was due to join Prince William in the carriage for the procession on Wednesday, Kensington Palace announced that Kate would not be attending the event, as she continues to “find the right balance” between her royal duties and recovering from cancer.

Just moments before the day two procession began, the Palace suggested that the princess’ attendance had actually not been confirmed with Royal Ascot, and her name being printed in the official programme and being announced by racing chiefs at the festival to appear in the royal procession was due to a “communications error”.

A spokesperson said: “We notified Ascot that Her Royal Highness would not be attending. Unfortunately an inaccurate version of the carriage list was issued in error after that notification. The correct list was then circulated.” The Prince and Princess of Wales are not expected to attend any further days of the festival.

A source at Royal Ascot said: “Obviously it’s a great disappointment the Princess of Wales not being able to attend, but everyone is of course mindful of her schedule and we look forward to welcoming her next year.”