ROYAL Ascot is one of the most prestigious – and glamorous – events in the racing calendar and this year is certainly not disappointing.
Racegoers have arrived at the Berkshire racecourse dressed to the nines in flamboyant hats and stylish dresses for Ladies’ Day.
Racegoers have arrived at Royal Ascot for day three of the racing
Today is Ladies’ Day, and attendees have clearly pulled out all the stops, with this woman even carrying a bird cage prop
Some guests’ hats are so large that it must be hard to see the racing
Real Housewives of Cheshire’s Ampika Pickston ensured all eyes were on her in this green eye-popping ensemble
Clearly ready to enjoy the sunshine, thousands of guests have put on their best summer frocks, while others sported top hats and tails or three-piece suits.
And of course, stilettos and eye-popping fascinators are highly popular among revellers.
While some racegoers have opted for classic nude ensembles, others appear to be pulling out the stops in order to stand out in bright, wackier outfits.
However, all are united to cheer on some of the best horses and jockeys from around the world on day three of the five-day event.
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Royal Ascot was held behind closed doors in 2020, and last year limited racegoers were admitted after it was selected to take part in a Covid event research programme.
Approximately 400 helicopters and 1,000 limousines will descend on Royal Ascot with an average of 60,000 racegoers each day.
And once guests are there, they will indulge in fine dining curated by 350 chefs serving 35,000 spears of English asparagus, more than 10,000 steaks, 8,000 Cornish crabs, 7,000 rumps of English lamb, 5,000kg of salmon and 3,500 fresh lobsters throughout the week.
On top of this, the Royal Meeting will also serve more than a quarter of a million finger sandwiches, 240,000 hand-crafted cakes, 120,000 buttermilk scones, 110,000 cups of tea, 7,000 punnets of mixed berries and 1,200kg of Cornish clotted cream.
The gates open at 10.30am each day and the first race is at 2.30pm.
The last of the seven races on each day will be at 6.10pm.
And don’t forget, at 2pm on each day of racing there will be a royal procession.
This year there is a new dress code, and racegoers are expected to abide by it.
For women in the Royal Enclosure, dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted.
Hats should be worn.
Meanwhile, in the Windsor Enclosure there is no official dress code but smart daywear is expected.
This disc-themed fascinator is sure to turn heads today
Two colourfully-dressed friends pose for photos at the Berkshire racecourse
Many guests seem to have pulled out all the stops with their striking outfits
This group of friends looked elegant following a yellow theme
Fancy frocks and flamboyant hats are all the rage at Royal Ascot
This woman opted for a brown polka dot dress for the celebrations
