Recession hit the races at Royal Ascot yesterday with even royalty getting their outfits off the peg.Frugal Princess Beatrice led the way in a Kate Moss for Topshop jacket, priced at a modest £90, with a pair of £65 two-tone shoes from Office.Unfortunately, when you reduce yourself to the level of mere mortals, embarrassments can occur - and another racegoer was seen wearing an identical Philip Treacy hat.
Dozens of women sporting coveted Royal Enclosure badges had also taken their inspiration from the High Street on the first day of the colourful annual Berkshire meet.But if the price tags were at rock bottom, some ladies still made an effort to display high fashion.Adding a little glamour to the occasion were a smattering of stars including Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden who wore a skin-tight red dress by Italian label Fendi with what appeared to be a rather bizarre pair of high heeled, peep-toed trainers.
'I go by the name,' she said. 'If I get lucky then I get lucky. If I don't I've still had a good time.'I love the social occasion more than anything else. I like a glass of champagne and looking at all the lovely hats and seeing the men in their top hats and tails.'Describing her outfit she added cheekily: 'My underwear is by Marks & Spencer before you ask.'The popular television presenter clashed horribly with opera singer Katherine Jenkins who sported an eye-wateringly hot pink body-con dress with an oversized hat and Christian Louboutin heels.
