Ascot is a village of south-central England southwest of London. The Royal Ascot horseraces, initiated by Queen Anne in 1711, are held annually in June on Ascot Heath.The Royal Ascot is one of the world’s most famous race meetings, and dates back to 1711. The Queen attends the meeting, arriving each day in a horse-drawn carriage. It is a major event in the British social calendar, and press coverage of the attendees and what they are wearing often exceeds coverage of the actual racing. The Royal Enclosure has a strict dress code—male attendees must wear full morning dress including a top hat, whilst ladies must not show bare midriffs or shoulders and must wear hats. Outside the Royal Enclosure the dress code is less severe, but many people choose to wear formal dress anyway. To be admitted to the Royal Enclosure for the first time one must either be a guest of a member or be sponsored for membership by a member who has attended at least four times. This continues to maintain a socially exclusive character to the Enclosure. Over 300,000 people make the annual visit to Berkshire during Royal Ascot week, making this Europe’s best-attended race meeting. This leads to a split among racing fans, some of whom are glad to see racing in the spotlight, and getting more attention, while others do not like the meeting despite the quality of racing.
Ladies' Day is held on the Thursday of the Royal Ascot week.
Fashion Rules at Royal Ascot
Top hats, expensive champagne, strict dress codes and posh accents - it could only be Royal Ascot. Fashion is still the main preoccupation for most ladies when they're not watching the horses. Strapless tops, short skirts and visible panty lines are banned. "Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and/or mini skirts are considered unsuitable," the Ascot website says. "Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour."Men are also subjected to strict scrutiny, with only those wearing black or grey morning dress, waistcoat and top hat allowed in.
If you pass the dress test and enter the Royal Enclosure you have the chance to rub shoulders with the Queen, who owns the Ascot estate. There are plenty of flower-filled restaurants with crisp white tablecloths serving champagne and canapes. For those stuck outside in the general admission areas, style is still important. There are bars willing to serve STG195 bottles of champagne or STG19 jugs of Pimms while you watch the horses line up in the parade ring. The Ascot "tailgate" picnics in the parking area have nothing to do with sandwiches or barbecue - but more likely champagne and lobster consumed from the back of a limousine.
The highlight of the week, in the fashion stakes, is Ladies' Day on Thursday, when you can even place a bet on what colour the Queen's hat will be. The Royal Ascot gathering is well known for designer outfits, elaborate headpieces and spectacular hats with rabid press coverage of who wore what on Ladies Day.
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