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.

The influential American business magazine Forbes, has named Prince William the world’s hottest Royal.

Prince William and Chelsy Davy at Prince Harry’s medal ceremony

The future Monarch of all he surveys easily edged out his brother Prince Harry and cousins Zara Phillips and Princess Beatrice to lead the field at forbes.com.

The magazine, which is famous for compiling rich lists, believes the top 20 Royals reign over nearly $60 billion in wealth and 15 Royal lineages.

Forbes assessed the international web and media presence of the contenders, as well as family wealth. It’s interesting that all 20 are single and under the age of 35 and have also become “successful in their chosen career paths”.

Princess Beatrice though, 4th, is only just finishing her gap year. One wonders which “career path” Forbes had in mind : international party-goer?

Nevertheless, the top four (all British) are certainly talented and destined for great things.

We are told that “The 20 Hottest Young Royals” — presumably a TV show — will premiere on Friday on the E! Entertainment network.

Forbes.com’s top five are:

1. Prince William
2. Prince Harry
3. Zara Phillips
4. Princess Beatrice
5. Charlotte Casiraghi

Jolly well done to them all.

There’s an interesting article in the Telegraph by Hannah Betts suggesting that the Queen is using Camilla as a fashion role model.

Although slightly tongue-in-cheek the piece points out the similarity of their attire at last week’s Windsor wedding.

There’s also another dig at Princess Beatrice who is described as living on her own fashion planet.

As I know nothing about fashion, you should read it yourself.

Read the complete article.

Princess Beatrice at yesterday’s Royal wedding. No comment.