Glamorous racegoers brave soaring temperatures in sky-high head-gear and bold colours at final day of Ascot

The Sun

4 hours ago

STYLE met SPF at Ascot today as racegoers braved sky-high temperatures for the final day of the festival.
However, the hot weather certainly hadn't prevented attendees from putting their best foot forward in the fashion stakes.
11
11
11
11
Day five saw guests arriving in a wash of rainbow brights with subtlety ditched in favour of bold and daring ensembles.
Naturally head-gear was the focal point of many of the ladies' outfits with the woman showcasing an impressive display of hats, fascinators and headpieces.
Keen to keep their cool, many racegoers came prepared for the hot weather, armed with hand-held fans and parasols.
And of course plenty of sunglasses were seen perched on the noses of the well-heeled attendees today as squinting is hardly stylish.
The famous event attracts plenty of famous faces, including celebrities, sports personalities and of course royalty.
Each year the royal family flocks to Ascot to witness the action.
However, on Thursday the Princess of Wales pulled out of Royal Ascot at the last minute as she continues her cancer recovery.
It is understood that Kate, 43, was "disappointed" that she wasn't going but 'has to find the right balance' on returning to full time duty.
She attended Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter in recent days plus a visit to V&A East Storehouse last week.
Known as the pinnacle of British horse racing, Royal Ascot is not just about the thrilling sport but also a celebration of style, tradition, and culinary indulgence.
Kate drops out of Royal Ascot at the last minute as she 'finds the right balance' in return to work after cancer
Each year, this iconic event attracts over 250,000 visitors across five days, offering an unforgettable experience steeped in history and glamour.
Dress to Impress
Fashion takes centre stage at Royal Ascot, with each enclosure offering its unique sartorial expectations.
The prestigious Royal Enclosure demands the highest level of formality.
Gentlemen are required to don morning suits complete with top hats, while ladies must adhere to a refined dress code: dresses or skirts that fall just above the knee or longer, straps of at least one inch in width, and, of course, a statement hat is non-negotiable.
For those in the Queen Anne Enclosure, the dress code is still elegant but slightly more relaxed, allowing for a touch of personal flair.
Meanwhile, the Windsor Enclosure is the most informal of the three.
Although there's no strict dress code here, smart attire is encouraged to maintain the event's sophisticated atmosphere.
A Historic Beginning
Royal Ascot has a fascinating history that dates back to 1711.
11
11
11
11
It all began when Queen Anne, during a ride from Windsor Castle, came across a piece of land she thought was perfect for horse racing, describing it as 'ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch.'
This marked the birth of Ascot Racecourse.
The first Royal Meeting was held in 1768, and over the years, it has grown into Britain's most iconic racing event, blending centuries-old tradition with the excitement and glamour of the modern day.
The Daily Schedule
Each day at Royal Ascot is meticulously planned to ensure a seamless blend of racing and pageantry.
Gates open at 10:30am, with the much-anticipated royal procession taking place at 2pm, a moment that sets the tone for the day's festivities.
Racing enthusiasts can look forward to seven nail-biting races, starting at 2:30pm and concluding at 6:10pm.
Beyond the Racing: A Feast for the Senses
Royal Ascot is not just a sporting event; it's a feast for the senses. Culinary excellence is a hallmark of the occasion, with 350 chefs crafting an array of exquisite dishes.
Across the five days, guests will indulge in 220,000 handcrafted afternoon tea cakes, 7,300 Angus steaks, and 3,000 kilograms of salmon.
The Queen Anne Enclosure, in particular, offers a gastronomic treat at the 1768 Grill, where the renowned Argentinian restaurant Gaucho serves up mouthwatering steaks.
As for beverages, the statistics are as impressive as the event itself.
An estimated 65,000 bottles of Champagne and 100,000 bottles of wine are consumed, ensuring the celebrations flow as freely as the bubbly.
A Grand Affair
The scale of Royal Ascot is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2023, the event saw approximately 400 helicopters and 1,000 luxury cars ferrying guests to the racecourse.
On average, 60,000 attendees graced the grounds each day, making it a true highlight of Britain's social calendar.
11