Elizabeth Hurley steps out on the arm of her poet pal at Ascot

Elizabeth Hurley was joined by her single poet pal Henry Birtles as she led the celebrity arrivals for day two of Royal Ascot. 

The actress, 59, looked glamorous in a white lace midi-dress and an eccentric bowl shaped fascinator for her day at the races, with Charlotte Hawkins and Lisa Snowdon also dressing to impress. 

Wearing pink high heels, Elizabeth linked arms with Henry for some extra support.   

Henry, who was a friend of Liz’s former fiancé, the late Shane Warne, is separated from his wife.

The pair have been friends for years. In 2022, Liz and Henry shared a snap of themselves rolling around on the floor in Superman and Superwoman costumes. 

He previously told The Sun of their friendship: ‘It was a laugh, OK, it was past midnight. Everyone had had a bit too much to drink and we had a Superman versus Supergirl wrestle and someone took a picture. It was pretty lighthearted. 

‘I was the best man at his wedding and we are just great, great old friends. And it is nothing more than that. Elizabeth has come horse-racing with me, several times. I am a friend of Shane Warne. 

Claiming to be the Austin Powers star’s friend of thirty years, he concluded: ‘This is nothing. It has all just gone a bit pear-shaped.’ 

The poet was suitably dressed for occasion in a grey tailcoat, pale blue waistcoat and top hat. 

Nicknamed The Racing Poet, Henry’s website reads: ‘His poems are a regular feature on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day where he recites to the crowd.’ 

Lisa, meanwhile,  was in a patriotic mood as she arrived for day two of Royal Ascot in a novelty custom made Euros hat. 

The presenter, 52, showed her support to the England team ahead of Thursday night’s match against Denmark.

Commissioned by Ladbrokes, Lisa beamed as she modelled the huge headpiece which featured England’s red and white design with the Euros trophy and plenty of footballers. 

The Three Lions are hoping for a win to continue through to the knock-out phase.

Milliner Ilda Di Vico was given the job of tackling the project which took several weeks to create.

Lisa complemented the eccentric hat with a red mididress which had ruched detailing at the waist. 

She finished off the look with white heels and a red clutch bag. 

Taking plenty of selfies, Lisa said: ‘I really want to show my support for the Three Lions and by wearing this gorgeous Ladbrokes hat designed by Ilda Di Vico, I think I have done just that. Come on England!’

Nicola McGeady from Ladbrokes added: ‘Our Euros themed hat combines the best bits of a day out at Royal Ascot and the beautiful game. 

‘There’s always a lot of competition in the style stakes, but with Ilda’s unique creation, Lisa has scored a winner.’

Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte, 49, looked lovely in a polka dot maxi dress and large hat. 

The television personality, who is a regular at the races, appeared in high spirits as she twirled for the camera.

Pop Idol legend Gareth Gates cut a dapper figure in a tailcoat and top hat as he too entered the grounds for the day of racing. 

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Royal Ascot, a five-day flat horse racing event held annually at Ascot race course in Berkshire, is a major event in the social calendar. 

But Vicky Pattison flouted the strict dress code on day one of the races. 

The TV personality, 36, complemented her stylish green ensemble with a wacky green headpiece to celebrate Subway’s new footlong cookie.

In the Royal Enclosure, novelty hats or fascinators, which are excessively oversized, or are promoting or marketing any product or brand, are not permitted.

Vicky teamed her statement feathered hat with a puff-sleeve green midi dress and elevated her frame with yellow strappy heels.

Ascot is popular with many royals, notably, the late Queen Elizabeth II famously loved the race – so much so, after she died, some thought The Firm’s connection with it may end.

But King Charles has continued to attend the event, and was pictured there on Tuesday.

Among the other royal attendees were Princess Anne and her daughter Zara Tindall, 43, – who are both famous for their love of horses – as well as Zara’s husband Mike Tindall, and her brother Peter Phillips.

Queen Camilla accompanied the King, with the royal couple arriving together in a carriage. Princess Eugenie was also snapped at the event. 

Poignantly, Lady Gabriella attended Ascot today, making it her first official public appearance since the death of her husband.

Her late husband, Thomas Kingston died by suicide on February 25th at the age of 45 at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds. 

Lady Gabriella, who is the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, arrived at the event in a carriage she shared with Princess Anne and Peter Phillips.

She was seen being comforted by a number of royals, including Zara Tindall, who was snapped hugging the grieving Gabriella.