Cheering crowds and ecstatic racegoers greeted the Queen as she made a grand entrance to Royal Ascot.

She rode in a carriage with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the head of a procession which travelled along the course past stands packed with punters.

The famous five-day meeting is as much a social event as an important sporting fixture and attracts some of the best thoroughbreds, jockeys and trainers in the world.

Among the famous faces at the Berkshire racecourse today were opera singer Katherine Jenkins, Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker.

Jenkins said she was attracted to the glamorous side of the event: "I love Royal Ascot, it's just so old-fashioned - old-fashioned glamour, old-fashioned traditions."

The star wore a bright orange and pink hat by popular milliner Philip Treacy and a matching dress.

She added: "I would wear a hat every day if I could."

The Queen is a passionate horse owner and breeder and, during her long association with Royal Ascot, has had 21 winners.

Her horse Estimate will run in the Gold Cup on Thursday and is a favourite with some bookmakers.

A victory in the race would be a boost for the Queen who will attend without the Duke of Edinburgh, who is convalescing at Windsor Castle after exploratory abdominal surgery.

In the foreword to the official programme, the Queen wrote: "I was fortunate enough to own a winner at last year's royal meeting, so I know what a thrill it is to have success at this wonderful racecourse, whether you are a trainer, jockey, or one of the many hard-working stable staff associated with every runner.

"I would like to wish all those involved the very best of luck."

Also riding in the carriage procession was the Duke of York and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Their carriage was followed by one carrying Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Viscount and Viscountess Linley.