Royal Ascot opened today with a cracking card of great racing and star performers.

The procession of Royal Landau at Royal Ascot today

As usual it was opened by the Royal procession of carriages along the course from Windsor, led by the Queen and Prince Philip, who seemed in great form.

The Queen and Prince Philip in the first carriage

The second of the four Landaus carried the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall together with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. I’m told that all three ladies wore hats by Philip Treacy. Can that be a record? Even so, they all looked a little glum in that carriage.

Prince Charles and Camilla with Beatrice and Eugenie

Apart from the Princesses, none of the younger Royals was present, although Zara Phillips is expected. Princess Anne arrived on foot rather than in a carriage.

Perhaps Kate Middleton and even Chelsy Davy will be along on Ladies Day.

Prince William was well supported at his investiture as the 1000th Knight Companion of the Garter since 1348 at Windsor today.

Prince William with his father and Camilla at the Garter event

Senior Garter Knights, Prince Charles and Prince Philip (his father and grandfather), were his official supporters as the Queen draped the historic and prestigious Garter robes around him in St. George’s Chapel.

Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Camilla at Windsor today

In the congregation were Kate Middleton his more-than-a-girlfriend, and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Although Kate outshone all others as usual, this time William was the centre of attention in his floridly magnificent medieval robes and flourish of a hat.

The ancient company (literally in many cases) made its way slowly in solemn procession from the Chapel for about a quarter of a mile, heavily guarded by police and elements of the Household Cavalry.

It is a shame that the public are not allowed to watch the service and investiture on television. At least Hello! magazine didn’t have the monopoly this time.

Perhaps the Way Forward Group could consider opening this splendid event to public view at its next meeting?

President Bush and his wife, Laura, have arrived at Windsor Castle for afternoon tea with the Queen.

Marine 1, the Presidential helicopter, lands at Windsor Castle

The visit is the final leg of the European tour to mark the ending of George Bush’s term as President of the United States.

Tonight they will dine with Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street in London.

President Bush and First Lady greeted at Windsor Castle

The Presidential couple will spend a day and a half in Britain, mainly saying their goodbyes but also fitting in some business meetings too, especially with Brown.

Another year, another Trooping the Colour.

The Queen and Prince Philip arrive at Horse Guards Parade

The splendid event is held on a Saturday in June each year to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday — her real one is in April.

As always, the BBC showed what a superb occasion it is with Huw Edwards describing the nuances and history in minute detail. He even had an exclusive interview with Prince Charles in full red and gold ceremonial dress.

Traditionally, the Queen processed down the Mall on horseback, riding an elegant sidesaddle. However, as age closed in and with the retirement of her faithful mount, Burma, she decided that a carriage would be more appropriate. The carriage itself has a lot of history behind it. It is Queen Victoria’s Ivory-Mounted Phaeton, first used in the 1840s.

Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cornwall

Prince William and Prince Harry arrived in a carriage together with the Duchess of Cornwall. Prince Charles rode down the Mall on horseback together with the Royal Colonels, Princess Anne and the Duke of Kent.

The Queen and Prince Philip take the salute

Finally, before the parade begins the Queen and the Duke take the salute and the National Anthem.