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Daily Record
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Ketsuda Phoutinane & Adam May

Kate Middleton bears striking resemblance to Princess Diana at Royal Ascot

Prince William and Kate Middleton led the arrivals at Royal Ascot this afternoon, with the duchess looking the spitting image of Princess Diana.

Kate donned a polka dot dress to this year's races that was a lookalike to one worn to the course in 1988 by her late mother-in-law.

And now, 34 years later, the Duke and Duchess arrived in the first carriage of this year's event amid the sweltering heat that bore down on the southern half of the UK today.

William's suit was capped off with a jaunty black top hat as they both be waved to the crowds.

Meanwhile, the Queen's grandson, Peter Phillips, arrived at the Berkshire racecourse with his girlfriend Lindsay Wallace in the second carriage.

Princess Diana in a polka dot dress at the Royal Ascot in 1988 (Getty Images)
Prince William and Duchess Kate at the Royal Ascot 2022 (UK Press via Getty Images)

He was spotted with his new girlfriend at the Epsom Derby as part of the Jubilee celebrations at the start of the month.

The Queen was introduced to Lindsay earlier this year following his divorce from ex-wife Autumn, the Mirror reported.

It is understood that the monarch, 96, first met her after a shooting party held at Windsor in a sign the couple "are serious."

A royal insider told how the Queen is "one of the most important people in Peter's life" so it is "only right" that he introduces his new girlfriend to her.

Kate Middleton waved at spectators during the Royal Ascot (Getty Images)

Members of the royal family, including Prince Charles and Camilla, Princess Anne and Zara Tindall have already enjoyed a day out at the world famous meeting.

Also arriving as part of the royal procession today was the Hon Arthur Vestey and Mrs Vesty, who arrived in the same carriage alongside William and Kate.

The Duke and Duchess of Bedford arrived with Peter Phillips and Lindsay Wallace in the second carriage.

The third carriage featured the Viscount and Viscountess Brookeborough, and Mr and Mrs Darby Dennis.

The fourth and final carriage included Mr and Mrs Richard Osgood alongside Mr and Mrs Nico de Boinville.

Races taking place this afternoon at day four of Royal Ascot include the 2.30 Albany Stakes, the 3.05 Commonwealth Cup, the 3.40 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes and the 4.20 Coronation Stakes.

The Sandringham Stakes will be taking place at 5pm, The King Edward VII Stakes at 5.35pm and The Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes starting at 6.10pm.

The Ascot arrivals came as much of the south of England sizzled in scorching temperatures.

Although rain lashed down on Scotland today, parts of London and the southeast could see temperatures hitting 34C.

The weather has been so warm that Royal Ascot chiefs have relaxed their strict dress code on the hottest day of the year so far in England.

The strict clothing rules will no longer be in force after the royal procession, which is led by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Gentlemen will be permitted to remove jackets, ties and hats in all enclosures during the afternoon, which features the Group 1 Coronation Stakes.

The horses competing in the seven races will also be cooled in a special area with misting fans after a recent six-figure investment.

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