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Kate Middleton wears blue Elie Saab dress to Royal Ascot

Beautiful in blue!
Royal Ascot 2019 - Day One
There was no shortage of splendid hats at the Royal Ascot this year.Mark Cuthbert / Getty Images
/ Source: TODAY

Off to the races!

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrived in style to the first day of Royal Ascot, one of the highlights of the British royal social calendar.

Royal Ascot - Day One - Ascot Racecourse
She shared a horse-drawn carriage with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Mike Egerton / Getty Images

The former Kate Middleton wore a light blue Elie Saab dress with sheer sleeves, a pussy bow accent and intricate, lace detailing.

Royal Ascot 2019 - Day One
She accessorized with a small, metallic clutch.Mark Cuthbert / Getty Images

She paired the dress with silver pumps and blue earrings. And since hats are required for women at the event, she topped off the look with a stunning Philip Treacy design featuring a blue flower.

The duchess wore her hat at an angle, revealing a pretty, braided chignon off to the side.

Royal Ascot 2019 - Day One
She wore her hair in a pretty, braided updo.Mark Cuthbert / Getty Images

There was no shortage of splendid hats at the royal affair, which takes place every summer at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands wore a particularly elaborate headpiece to go with her Champagne-colored dress.

Royal Ascot 2019 - Day One
Hello, hats! Mark Cuthbert / Getty Images

Prince William also wore a dashing top hat, in keeping with the dress code for men in the Royal Enclosure.

Royal Ascot 2019 - Day One
Such a stylish royal couple!Mark Cuthbert / Getty Images

The duchess’s blue dress and hat echoed a look worn by Princess Diana in March 1983 during a visit to Australia, a reminder that royal style is timeless.

Was the duchess taking a style cue from Princess Diana?
Was the duchess taking a style cue from Princess Diana?Getty Images

This was just day one of the five-day racing event, so stay tuned for more gorgeous Ascot looks from the Duchess of Cambridge!

See every time Kate Middleton channeled Princess Diana's style

Slideshow  21 photos

See every time Kate Middleton channeled Princess Diana's style

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is known for her elegant, classic style. And it seems that she's taken plenty of inspiration from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Here are a few times the former Kate Middleton has worn similar outfits to Princess Diana.