Kate's red hot favourite on a day of family laughter with acting royalty

Dettori was also lucky for Kate, who appeared to clench her fists in triumph

- Richard Palmer

THE Royal Family met acting royalty when Dame Judi Dench joined the great and the good at Ascot yesterday.

Charles, 74, and Camilla, 75, headed the carriage parade just one day after the King enjoyed his first winner at the famous race meeting.

But it was the Princess of Wales who stole the show.

The crowds in the stand and parade ring erupted into cheers when Kate appeared in a stunning red Alexander McQueen dress, paired with a Philip Treacy hat.

Her hair was tied into a side bun, accentuating her striking earrings from French brand Sezane.

She was in a carriage with her husband Prince William as well as Princess Beatrice and her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi.

Another carriage contained Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, with Princess Michael of Kent, 78 - both of whom wore delicate pink Prince Michael of Kent, 80 and Yesterday it looked like Sophie, 58, was the winner - after the procession she was seen pumping her fist in celebration and looking at her betting slip.

Kate, 41, gave her a quick glance and a thumbs up. Bets were on that Sophie had put money on racing great Frankie Dettori- and was not disappointed when he landed his 80th Royal Ascot win on Porta Fortuna in the Albany Stakes.

Frankie, 52, who plans to retire later this year, was not shy to celebrate and waved a specially printed saddle cloth in the air.