Racegoers are forced to take cover as heavy rain falls on the final day of this year's Royal Ascot

Those who decided not to bring an umbrella with them to Ascot realise they made a mistake

Unless, that is, they manage to come up with an alternative way to shelter from the rain

Plans for a pleasant lunch outside are scuppered by the adverse weather conditions

But the sudden heavy downpour fails to dampen the lively mood among most of the crowd

The sun returns and the excitement builds ahead of the first race of the day

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh - both keen racing fans - arrive to a warm reception from the crowd

Maze (left), ridden by Royston Ffrench, wins the Chesham Stakes after a stewards enquiry

Richard Hills and Maraahel (left) edge out the much-fancied Scorpion to win the Hardwicke Stakes

The rain briefly returns and once again many of the racegoers need to take cover

Soldier's Tale (r), ridden by Johnny Murtagh, beats Australian challenger Takeover Target to win the Golden Jubilee Stakes