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The occasion marked Princess Georgina's first official engagement since leaving hospital, and her first public appearance since the Palace announced last week that she and her husband, The Earl of Wexford, are expecting their first child. Looking relaxed and in excellent health, the Princess was warmly greeted by racegoers as she accompanied Her Majesty throughout the afternoon.

Joining the sisters were their cousins, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Catherine. Princess Elizabeth, now approaching her third trimester with her second child, looked elegant in a floral yellow maternity dress and matching hat, while Princess Catherine chose an emerald green floral dress for the occasion. Queen Anna completed the quartet in a delicate blush pink pinstriped ensemble, perfectly suited to the glorious summer weather.

The Royal Party arrived to applause and support from the crowds.

The four women spent much of the afternoon greeting racegoers before taking their places in the Royal Box, where they enjoyed several of the day's feature races and met jockeys, owners and representatives from the Astrarian Racing Trust. Queen Anna later presented the trophy following the feature race.

Inside the Royal Box, the cousins were seen chatting and laughing together, with Princess Catherine and Princess Elizabeth sharing a particularly animated conversation while awaiting the next race. Princess Georgina also appeared in excellent spirits throughout the afternoon as well-wishers welcomed her return to public life.

Princess Georgina and Princess Elizabeth observed the races from the royal box.

Noticeably absent from this year's gathering were several members of the Huntington family. Phoebe Huntington, daughter of Charlotte, Princess Royal, was unable to attend, as were Amelia Huntington, widow of the late Major Jameson Huntington II, and her daughter Zara Huntington, the Queen's goddaughter. Palace sources confirmed the family members were unable to attend owing to longstanding private commitments.

As the horses thundered down the final straight, the Queen and Princess Catherine joined spectators in applauding another memorable afternoon of racing, bringing to a close one of the highlights of Astrary's summer social season.