38 Photos From the Royal Ascot, the Queen's Favorite Event of the Year

The Royal Ascot races are a highlight of the British social calendar, not only for the Queen, who loves nothing more than to watch a little horse racing, but also for anyone who loves to wear a good hat, as toppers are a must.

In honor of the annual event, we're taking a look back at the Royal Ascot throughout history.

The Prince Of Wales at the Ascot races with his future wife, Wallis Simpson.

Queen Elizabeth cheers on her horse from the royal box.

Queen Elizabeth II with her horse, Aureole, after it came in first.

Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret in front of the crowds.

The Queen and Prince Philip on their way to the races.

The Queen and Princess Margaret with the Queen's racehorse, Restoration.

In 1966, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco attended the annual event.

Princess Margaret and her mother arrive at the Ascot.

Princess Anne in a jockey cap alongside her escort, the Duke of Beaufort.

Prince Charles and Princess Anne arriving at the event.

The Queen swaps her brimmed hat for a turban-inspired style.

Diana, Princess of Wales, with the Duchess of York

Diana at the Royal Ascot.

Diana in the center of a crowd of hatted racegoers.

Diana, Princess of Wales, arrives on the first day of the Royal Ascot.

Princess Diana with Sarah Ferguson.

The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret in the carriage procession.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex arrives by carriage.

Queen Elizabeth II presents Prince Harry with a gift after a polo match during the Royal Ascot.

Prince William gives his gran a kiss at the polo match following the second day of the Royal Ascot.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh wave to the crowds.

Zara Phillips in a leopard-print style.

A sea of hats on Ladies Day.

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive by carriage at the event.

Princess Anne and Princess Beatrice of York attend Royal Ascot Ladies Day.

Princess Eugenie of York and her grandmother attend Day 1 of Royal Ascot.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend day 2 of Royal Ascot

The Queen with Princess Anne and her horse, Estimate.

The Royal Procession

Her Majesty talks with jockeys Jamie Spencer and Sean Levey before they ride her horses.

Duchess Kate in a gorgeous cream-colored fascinator at the 2016 event.

The Queen presenting a jockey with an award at the 2017 races.

The Duchess of Sussex made her royal ascot debut just a few weeks after the royal wedding in 2018.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex appears to be disappointed in how a race turned out.

Racegoers take shelter from the rainstorm.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives in a carriage on day one of the races.

After a year break due to COVID-19, the royals returned to Ascot in 2021. Here is Princess Anne, masked up and speaking with her daughter Zara.

Camilla, Charles, and Edward, taking in the races