A day after a particularly formal royal event at Windsor Castle, where the Duchess of Cambridge fraternized with royal couples from Spain and the Netherlands, Kate took part in one of the most classic royal traditions on Tuesday, arriving for the first day of the annual Royal Ascot. The five-day festival is one of the British social events of the season—we know, there is seemingly a different major British social event happening every other week, but this one is really a big deal, with the finest fascinators and dresses getting trotted out, just as summer commences.

Because of the rain, Kate (as well as the other royals in attendance) had to arrive in closed carriages, rather than the usual open mode of transport. And Kate did not disappoint with her choice of attire, opting for a light-blue lace ensemble, courtesy of Elie Saab. Her bold Philip Treacy fascinator—in a similar light-blue—matched the dress, which also was marked by a prominent bow around the collar. And the most crucial element, in her hair: a large flower tucked underneath the blue hat. She finished off the look with blue topaz and diamond drop Kiki McDonough earrings. Also in blue at the event: the Queen, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall.

The Royal Ascot seems pretty fun, from the looks of it! In photos from the event, Kate is seen chatting with Zara and Eugenie, while Mike Tindall was “joking” with Prince William, Sophie Wessex, and, yes, the Queen. (We would love to know what sort of joke was made that caused the Queen to visibly grin.) Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that Prince Charles was “spotted chuckling” as he and Camila were talking to a jockey. So much light-heartedness! Perhaps a particularly funny meme was sent through the royals WhatsApp chat just as they all arrived.

Lady Kitty Spencer was also in attendance today, looking stunning in white, as was Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander, of the Netherlands, who attended the Order of the Garter service on Monday at Windsor Castle. Maxima was given the honor of riding into the Ascot next to the Queen in her carriage. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who made her Royal Ascot debut last year, did not attend this year's event.