Carole Middleton's age-defying look subtly influences Princess Beatrice

Carole Middleton has long been regarded as a quietly confident style icon, and it's clear her impeccable fashion instincts have left their mark on her daughter, Princess Kate. Last week, the 70-year-old reaffirmed her sartorial credentials as she stepped out at Royal Ascot in the season's standout shade: butter yellow.

Her elegant lace dress by British label Me+Em featured a refined high neckline, softly puffed shoulders, and a tasteful keyhole cut-out - blending timeless tailoring with a contemporary edge. Priced at £325, the look perfectly captured Carole's talent for choosing pieces that feel both classic and on-trend.

Adding a thoughtful nod to sustainable fashion, she re-wore a wide-brimmed beige hat adorned with floral appliqué - a piece she first debuted at the very same event back in 2011- and her elegant taste rubbed off on Princess Beatrice.

The result was a polished and poised ensemble which proved style doesn't have to be loud to be impactful.

The soft neutral tones complemented the pastel hue of the dress beautifully, creating a look that was both graceful and commanding.

The influence of her ensemble was felt beyond the royal enclosure. The very next day, Princess Beatrice, 36, was spotted in a remarkably similar silhouette, suggesting Carole's butter-yellow moment may have sparked a ripple effect in royal fashion circles.

From runway to racecourse, butter yellow has emerged as a defining colour of the season - and with her polished presentation, Carole once again cemented her status as one of the royal family's most quietly stylish figures.

It seems Princess Beatrice took a page out of Carole's style book at Royal Ascot, stepping out in a vibrant butter yellowdress.

Her choice of colour mirrored the season's most talked-about hue, one that Carole had championed effortlessly the day before.

Beatrice's dress by Monique Lhuillier featured a sleek, tailored silhouette with long sleeves, a belted waist, and bold cobalt-blue floral detailing that added drama and dimension to the sunny base. The structured cut offered a modern take on ladylike elegance, balancing classic modesty with high-fashion flair.

In a nod to sustainable fashion, the princess also recycled her nude Mark Cross 'Romy' clutch, proving that thoughtful re-wears can still pack a stylish punch.

From colour palette to accessories, Beatrice's ensemble felt like a quiet tribute to her stylish extended family - and a masterclass in race-day dressing.