The first day of Royal Ascot today, held in fitting summer sunshine, showed a considerable lessening in the austerity which has prevailed since pre-war days. Formal Fox, typical ascot hats and morning dress were the rule in the Royal enclosure for this incomparable sporting and social occasion. The meeting opened with a state drive down the court by the Royal family who had come from Windsor for the racing. In most of the races scheduled for the four-day meeting, including today's gold bars and ascot stakes, homebred horses will find powerful opposition from many entries from France. Picture shows: A pretty bonnet effect was acheived by Lady George Scott who wore this veiled hat crowned with flowers and tied under the chin with veiling at Ascot today. 17 June 1947