Just under 300,000 people descended upon Royal Ascot this year, 1,216 less than in 2016. 

Racegoers dressed in all manner of costume, some dressing in the traditional top hat and tails, some going that one step further, such as a Finchampstead couple who dressed as tigers for day one of the racing festival.

Despite Frankie Dettori being kept from the race week due to injury, attendance was still high, and the warm weather rewarded punters who had made the trip. 

On Wednesday, temperatures reached up to 30 degrees, as the Queen made a last-minute appearance after opening Parliament in Westminster earlier in the day. 

The race week ended with a flourish, as Oriental Fox took the Queen Alexandra stakes in the last race of the week.

Trustee Mark Davies was presiding over his last Royal Ascot week, after 15 years in the job, and he spoke of his pride at the success of the festival.

He said: "In my time we have knocked down the old stand, moved to York, rebuilt the stand, had a few problems. 

"But we have now sorted those all out and got Ascot back on to the pinnacle that Ascot deserves to be on. 

"I am very proud particularly of the people who work here. There is absolute commitment, loyalty and love of the place.

"I have worked in many firms and I have never seen it as it is here. It is a real testimony to the people here.

"When I look back, it is them that I will miss, from the gateman to the chairman, everyone."