The Queen continues the floral trend at Royal Ascot with a stunning mint green hat—and there's a special significance behind it

The Queen has arrived at Royal Ascot for the first time during this week, after missing the first four days of the racing event.

• The Queen has been photographed entering Ascot Racecourse for Royal Ascot 2021 on day five of the event.
• Her Majesty looked cheerful in a mint green coatdress and matching hat, which aligned perfectly with other royals' floral accessories. 
• In other royal news, Meghan Markle circulates baby photo of Lilibet to the Royal Family via WhatsApp.

Her Majesty looked bright and cheerful in a mint green ensemble for Saturday's Royal Ascot event, which is the highlight of the annual racing calendar. The event also holds a special place in the Queen's affections, who has been a patron of Royal Ascot since coming to the throne in 1952.

While Royal Ascot 2021 race meetings have been taking place since Tuesday, Her Majesty declined to attend what is reported to be one of her favorite events of the year until day five, leaving many royal fans wondering why the Queen wasn't at Royal Ascot this year. 

Upon entering the racecourse, Her Majesty was greeted with cheers and a round of applause from crowds in the stands and on the racecourse, who were clearly delighted she had decided to attend the event. The Queen was accompanied on her drive by her trusted lady-in-waiting, Lady Susan Hussey.

It's wonderful to see Her Majesty looking so upbeat, even without Prince Philip by her side, after what has been undoubtedly a very difficult time for her personally.

In keeping with the floral trend we've seen at Royal Ascot so far this year, her striking mint green outfit is complemented perfectly by a statement hat, embroidered with bright pink and red flowers. 

Other Royal Family members were spotted sporting the floral trend earlier this week, with Zara Tindall, Princess Anne, and Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall coordinating their hats.

This streamlined look could, of course, be a coincidence, but the similar styles also suggest a unity between the royals, perhaps signifying how their family bond has been strengthened after recent hardships. 

Bloom motifs are also a key trend for the season, symbolizing the joy and abundance of the summer months. "For so many of us nature has been a solace in recent months," Dr Janet Emmanuel, Principal Lecturer in Fashion, Styling & Promotion at the University of Bedfordshire, told us. "The beauty and color palette of florals lifts our spirits and helps us look forward to better times." 

This is the first time Her Majesty has attended the races since 2019—as last year's race meetings were called off due to Covid-19 restrictions and we're sure she's delighted to be back. Her Majesty's fondness for horses has been well documented throughout the years. 

Only recently, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, told ITV Racing presenter Oli Bell, "I think this is [the Queen's] passion in life, and she loves it and you can tell how much she loves it. She can tell you every horse she’s bred and owned, from the very beginning, she doesn’t forget anything."

Royal Ascot reportedly reopened its doors to 12,000 racing fans a day but the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is still expected to take a significant financial toll on the event.