Sarah, Duchess of York was granted a rare privilege when she joined the Queen in her box At Royal Ascot – and even shared a joke.

The former wife of the Duke of York was photographed chatting with the Queen at one of the social and sporting events of the year.

Just over a month ago Sarah joined the wedding congregation that saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex marry at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall.

Her invitation to the royal box appeared to signal that the duchess, once caught in a tabloid newspaper sting accepting money for access to her former husband, had been permanently welcomed back into royal circles. 

The Queen and a guest arrive at Royal Ascot in the traditional carriage procession. (John Walton/PA)
The Queen arrives at Royal Ascot in the traditional carriage procession (John Walton/PA)

But Sarah did not make it into the carriage procession which, with the Queen in the lead coach, signals the start of each day at Royal Ascot.

As the Queen passed by the duchess was seen curtseying and to aid her balance she held onto the hand of her daughter Princess Beatrice, next to them doffing his top hat was Andrew.

Beatrice wore a dress by The Fold and a Sarah Cant hat, while her mother was dressed in a Roland Mouret outfit and a hat by Philip Treacy.

Earlier racegoers were quids in after picking the right colour of the Queen’s hat for the fourth day running, a feat which left the bookies cursing their bad luck.

Tracy Rose wearing a striking hat at Royal Ascot (Nigel French/PA)
Tracy Rose wearing a striking hat at Royal Ascot (Nigel French/PA)

The head of state wore an Angela Kelly ensemble, a grass green wool coat worn with a dress embroidered with summer flowers and a matching hat.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “You have to take your hat off to punters, we have never had such a bad run in the Queen’s Hat betting.”

Former England footballer Michael Owen was among the famous faces invited to present prizes to the winning jockeys, owners and trainers.