This is how the Queen cost bookies a packet

When Her Majesty steps out with family it is always an occasion to be excited about, even more so when that occasion involves a spot of racing. But did you know that the Queen can unwittingly cost Britons an absolute packet?

She did just that at the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot yesterday when she stepped out in a hot pink ensemble created for her by Peter Enrione with a matching hat by her personal dressmaker Angela Kelly.

The Daily Mail reports bookmakers now have to pay out tens of thousands of pounds after a flurry of bets were place on The Queen wearing pink. The largest single bet was apparently £1,000 wager placed overnight.

And they say Aussies will bet on anything! Keen punters would have had to closely watch Her Majesty’s outfits, which have been plentiful as the Royal Season is in full swing, before making the call.

Presumably oblivious to the pain of the bookies, Queen Elizabeth was all smiles as her family and friends gathered for the first race day. Although she had no horses running, Her Majesty has six running on Wednesday and Thursday.

She arrived at the racecourse at Royal Ascot in traditional procession in a landau with Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and the Duke of Edinburgh.

In the second carriage was Princess Beatrice, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, looking elegant in mint green.

Also in the Royal Box was Princess Michael of Kent, still wearing her eye patch, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who yesterday joined the Queen for the annual Garter Parade.

The horse-mad Queen unveiled a striking bronze statue of legendary racehorse Franke, which was created by sculptor Mark Coreth.

Fancy a flutter? Which colour do you think Her Majesty will step out in next?