Kate and Wills enjoy a day at the races... and the Queen keeps smiling

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Young royals: Princes William and Harry, dressed to the nines in their suits arrive at the Epsom Derby, with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge at their side. Always the joker, Harry performs one of his silly walks


Newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were all smiles today as they enjoyed a day at the races, accompanied by royal jester Prince Harry.

The trio were clearly enjoying a chuckle as they made their way into the royal enclosure at today's Investec Derby at Epsom.

Even the Queen managed to keep a smile on her face, in spite of the fact her horse lost its race.

Despite being a favourite to win the Derby in today's race tournament, colt Carlton House - the 5-2 favourite - finished third of the 13 runners.


Family affair: They made their way to the royal enclosure to show support for the Queen's horse, Carlton House



Pink lady: The Queen arrives at the Epsom Derby in high spirits - and in a bright outfit - to cheer on her horse, which unfortunately did not win. Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, keeps things simple, in a stylish off-white outfit with a nude-coloured fascinator. Meanwhile Prince Harry cuts a dashing figure in his top hat and tails


French raider Pour Moi, ridden by Mickael Barzalona and trained by Andre Fabre, won the race at odds of 6-4 while second place went to 25-1 outsider Treasure Beach.

Earlier in the afternoon the royals arrived in their sartorial finery at the Epsom Derby, one of the biggest events in the racing calendar.

The Queen look resplendent in a bright pink ensemble, finished off with a matching hat.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked every inch the royal couple as they made their entrance with Prince Harry.


Deep in thought: William and Kate chat to a friend while the Queen watches the track, clutching her race programme


Hats off to them: The princes minus their top hats, with Kate


Come on! Eugenie and Harry shout some encouragement during the race


Kate looked stunning in a simple, yet stylish, off-white two-piece complemented by a nude fascinator.

Meanwhile, Princes Harry and William cut dashing figures in their top hats and tails.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie might have shaken off the last of the put-downs over the disastrous outfits they wore at the Royal Wedding last month, when they stepped out in chic and summery dresses.


Stylish: Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice look chic and summery in their outfits for the racing event - a far cry from the dresses they wore for their cousin's wedding



Nail-biting: The Queen looks as though her mind might be on her horse's performance as grandson Harry looks on in the background


A right royal gathering: The Queen enjoys her family's company at Epsom


The two princesses looked relaxed and happy as they entered the royal enclosure.

At odds of 5-2, Carlton House had long been a favourite on win the race but there were doubts over him taking part after he developed swelling in a foreleg following a work-out on Monday.

Earlier today, the horse had been declared fit to run in the Derby.


Mum's the word: Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, was also at Epsom today. Right, the young royals enjoying the racing action


Horses for courses: Mickael Barzalona riding Pour Moi (second left, blue) challenges wide and late to win the Investec Derby. The Queen's horse Carlton House is fourth from left (jockey in red and purple top) - and finished third


Champion: Jockey Mickael Barzalona celebrates winning the Investec Derby on Pour Moi


The three-year-old showed no ill-effects following an easy canter in Newmarket yesterday morning, according to connections of the colt, which is trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

John Warren, racing manager for the Queen, said: 'He's done a nice couple of canters and a bit of light work.'

Ryan Moore had ridden him and 'we're all on' for today, Mr Warren said.



Dazzling: Newlywed Kate, still tanned from her recent honeymoon, smiles broadly while Eugenie watches the fourth race at Epsom


Fun day out: Kate and Eugenie share a joke at the races


He added: 'Everyone involved has wanted to keep it in the public domain. Everything that we know, the public ought to know.

'The Queen is very well-informed and the public are really well-informed.

'We understand how big the betting side of it is and hopefully everyone is all the wiser about what is going on.


This sporting life: The royals, including Prince Andrew (right) gather to watch the horses in action


Binoculars at the ready: The Duke of Edinburgh came prepared for the event


'Obviously the Queen has been through this and the trainer has been through injuries just before a race as well, so it's not new territory, but it's territory that one would prefer to do without, to be honest.

'I think now the emphasis has moved away from the issue and into the excitement of the event.

'Owning racehorses and breeding racehorses is really what this is all about and Epsom is the pinnacle of all of that.'

Sohraab, a horse partly owned by the Duchess of Cambridge's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, ran in the Investec Entrepreneurial Class 'Dash' at the 3.15pm race before the Derby.


Glowing: Sophie, Duchess of Wessex looked smart in a champagne silk skirt suit and large feathered hat



Nice day for a flutter: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward at Epsom

source: dailymail