Better known for their stiff upper lips and dysfunctional relationships, it is rare to see the Royals showing their affection for each other quite so openly.

But Ascot is one of the most enjoyable duties on the society calendar and onlookers enjoyed seeing two members of Britain's No.1 family letting their hair down.

Prince Charles and his niece Princess Zara - the daughter of his sister, Princess Anne - were obviously delighted to see each other in the Royal box.

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Prince Charles and niece Zara Phillips in a rare display of affection at the first day of Royal Ascot but it all looks a little too much for the prince

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Pucker up: Zara goes in for a peck as Uncle Charles looks uncomfortable but the pair are soon chatting away in the Royal box

The Queen's granddaughter threw her arms around her uncle in a clinch that clearly took him pleasantly by surprise.

But not to be denied, Zara continued through with the move and planted a kiss on his cheek.

One could only imagine the scenes had they managed to pick a winner.

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Loved up: Princess Zara's affections did not stop at her uncle Charles, next stop was cousin Eugenie in the Royal box

And later Zara continued her quest for cuddles by greeting cousin Princess Eugenie with an emotional embrace in the Royal enclosure.

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Zara Phillips turned heads at Royal Ascot today

The Princess has clearly recovered from the disappointment at missing out on the Beijing Olympics after her horse Toytown became injured.

She was also having to attend the event without her England rugby star boyfriend Mike Tindall, who is currently on tour in New Zealand.

Sparking almost as much comment as her gregariousness was Zara's outfit.

She turned heads in a dazzling ensemble complete with cream pussy bow blouse and a high-waisted, fifties-style black skirt.

And it was all topped off with a matching over-sized rose and feather detailed millinery creation.

And the princess was careful to stick to all the new fashion rules at the event.

These included no short skirts, no underwear on display and no spaghetti straps or off the shoulder dresses and strictly no midriffs to be seen.

She was not the only woman to make an effort with her outfit as score of fillies arrived in all their finery to the five day racing event.