In pictures: Head-turning millinery at Royal Ascot Ladies' Day 2022

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Many racegoers chose red, white and blue for their hats in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Thousands of racegoers have donned their finery for Ladies' Day, on the third day of Royal Ascot.

The five-day event in Berkshire is expected to attract a total of 270,000 racegoers.

The flamboyant hats moved up a notch on Thursday - a day to see and be seen.

Last year, the event was limited to 12,000 spectators per day due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the previous year the event was held without any spectators.

Here is a selection of some of this year's head-turning millinery.

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, This hot pink, feathery piece looked rather tricky to see the racing through

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Guide dog Jimbo donned his best top hat as he headed to the royal enclosure with his owner

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Zara Tindall (left), Anna Woolhouse and Kirsty Gallacher (right) were among those enjoying the day

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Eye-catching millinery has drawn the photographers at the race course

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, A Platinum Jubilee-themed hat trick has been among the designs on display

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Racegoers were beaming as the sun lit up the Berkshire course

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, This creation boasted a rainbow display of feathers

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, The "elaborate headwear" brief was certainly met here

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Many have stylishly matched their hats and outfits for flat racing's biggest meeting

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Fabulous floral finery is the order of the day for this racegoer

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, This hat was in full bloom

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, This red, white and blue ensemble featured a parrot-themed hat and dress

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Designs of all shapes and sizes were on display on Thursday

All pictures subject to copyright.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.