Grey has never been Ascot's hue. But, as STEVE CARROLL found out, despite the murky weather, the Royal Procession still brought the explosion of colour everybody had hoped for.

Champagne lawns, marquees and the whirring of helicopters aside, Royal Ascot at York did not begin until Her Majesty graced Knavesmire's historic turf.

The spectators hugged the rails from an early stage until, with only minutes before her highly anticipated arrival, a sea of colour had etched itself on to the edges of the race track.

The tension built - what would she be wearing? Who would be in the carriages? Racing was temporarily forgotten as top hat and tails bustled with suits and hats - all craning to get the best view, the best picture.

Then, right on time, she arrived. At first it was little more than a glimmer. Then the shape of the four Ascot Landaus became more visible.

The rush to the fences, at first a trickle, became a flood as the moment Knavesmire had waited nearly two years for finally arrived.

In the lead carriage, the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, beamed brightly as the cacophony of cheers grew ever louder and she approached the winning post.

A huge betting market had taken punts on what she might wear, but it was the joint favourite - pink - which saw off the competition.

Her hat - full brim, with a black trim - was matched by a jacket of the same colour, with black buttons.

The Duke's costume was simplicity itself, as he sported an elegant morning suit with matching top hat.

And in the carriage behind, the "will they, won't they" saga was finally resolved as Charles and Camilla took their place in the procession.

The Prince of Wales donned a grey morning suit with light blue shirt and tie, while the Duchess of Cornwall matched her husband's bright theme, albeit with a jacket of a distinctly stronger shade of turquoise.

Her hat, a huge white number marked with a massive ribbon, drew appreciated comments from the ever-burgeoning crowd. But the widest smile of all came from the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Greenwood, who brought up the rear in the final carriage.

The spectacle was stunning and regal in every sense. It was proof Royal Ascot had finally arrived in York.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, June 15, 2005