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

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

The Irish Sun21-06-2025
STYLE met SPF at Ascot today as racegoers braved sky-high temperatures for the final day of the festival.
However, the
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Sky-high head-gear took centre stage on the final day of Royal Ascot
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Unsurprisingly milliner Anna Gilder (left) had perfected her hat game with a little help from her friends
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Fellow hat-maker Rachel Ellis Oates showcased this show-stopping piece
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It wasn't all summer dresses, sharp tailoring kept this guest looking fly
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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.
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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
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.
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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.
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The prestigious
Gentlemen are required to don morning suits complete with top hats, while
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
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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.
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Guests camer well-prepared for the sweltering termperatures
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Hand-held fans were the perfect accessory for keeping guests cool
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No hat? No problem! A paradol provided shade to this glam guest
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This brightly-dressed racegoer was all-smiles as she arrived
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.
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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.
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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.
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Across the five days, guests will indulge in 220,000 handcrafted afternoon tea cakes, 7,300 Angus steaks, and 3,000 kilograms of salmon.
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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.
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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.
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Sports commentator Amanda Davies was gorgeous in rainbow brights
Credit: Getty
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Irish Examiner view: Guinness and co are in need of a masterplan
Irish Examiner view: Guinness and co are in need of a masterplan

Irish Examiner

timean hour ago

  • Irish Examiner

Irish Examiner view: Guinness and co are in need of a masterplan

Netflix may have its critics, but its sense of timing is usually good. Whether that is positive news for the Guinness brewing dynasty, and the brand's parent company Diageo, is something we will discover next month. That's when a new eight-part drama hits our screens recounting the creation of a global business empire which has become synonymous with Ireland. The House of Guinness is set in 19th-century Dublin and New York and unfolds the complexities of a Succession-style plot following the death of Benjamin Guinness and the Machiavellian impact of his will on the lives of his four adult children: Arthur, Edward, Ann, and Ben. The vice-president in charge of content at Netflix explained the attraction of the story: '...wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedy are all intertwined to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from. I've always been fascinated by their stories, and am excited to bring the characters to life for the world to see.' That responsibility falls to someone with an impressive CV in shows with cult potential — the writer Steven Knight who has delivered memorable scripts for SAS Rogue Heroes and, of course, Peaky Blinders, the iconic six-instalment series which showcased the adventures of a mixed heritage Birmingham, Romany, and Irish gang in the UK in the years following the First World War. There's an impressive cast, with a major role undertaken by James Norton, who played the chilling sociopath Tommy Lee Royce from Happy Valley, exchanging his (natural) West Riding accent for training in the tones of 19th-century Dublin. Norton plays Seán Rafferty, a company hardman whose job it is to keep the Guinness workforce on their toes. Other cast members include Dervla Kirwan, Anthony Boyle, and Cork-born actor Jack Gleeson, memorable for his portrayal of the sinister and sadistic Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones. Knight has a ready plotline should he be tempted to use it with the emergence of southern rivals, Beamish and Murphy's, who bridle against the dominance of the capital city's favourite tipple. But perhaps he has already been there and done that with his account of the power struggles between the Shelbys, the Sabinis, and Alfie Solomons's Camden Town gang. Whether Guinness benefits from this publicity, and whether it is brand-enhancing, we will be able to discern more clearly by late autumn. But it comes during a period when there have been some uncharacteristic lapses in the company's usual stately progress. On the plus side, it ousted Budweiser in 2024 to commence a four-year stint as 'the official beer of the Premier League'. It is also the 'official beer' of the Six Nations international rugby competition. This week it moved further into club competition by agreeing separate partnerships with Arsenal and Newcastle, the latter in a city which has its own legendary beverage, Newkie Broon ale. While Guinness may be everywhere, with countless memes about 'splitting the G', there are signs of shareholder discontent with its parent company. It is less than a month since its CEO Debra Crew stepped down without a succession plan. Ms Crew, who had been in place since June 2023, received a total pay package equivalent to €4.17m for the financial year ending June 30. The company's shares have lost a third of their value since the summer of 2023. Diageo reported a drop in both sales and profits in the six months ended December 2024, according to figures released this week. This was despite growth in demand for Guinness which resulted in supplies running out or being rationed in the UK last Christmas. We all noted the news that spending by Cork's hurling fans plummeted by 13% on July 20, the day of the All-Ireland defeat by Tipperary. No doubt the reason for raising a glass by some visitors to Dublin was undermined by that dispiriting defeat. It's down to Oasis fans to make up for that shortfall with the concerts in the city today and tomorrow, and there's every chance that they will. But for Guinness and Diageo, a renewal of confidence requires, in the words of Noel Gallagher, a masterplan. And just like that, soccer is back It may stick in the throat of GAA diehards but there won't be many Irish sports fans who haven't noticed that, with the appearance of champions Liverpool at Anfield last night, the Premier League is back.. And so, after one apparently interminable season, we are about to commence on another which will finish on July 19, 11 months from now, with the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New York and another photobomb opportunity for US president Donald Trump. 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Indeed, the whole issue of court procedure is one on which there are wildly varying opinions. One contributor to the Irish Examiner this week took the view that defendants should not be named until a trial has ended, and only when a conviction is secured. The media (and social media), he wrote, 'could lead the way by doing the right thing and have a shred of humanity and not name or identify any suspect unless or until they have been found guilty of the crime with which they were charged'. While it is possible to construct mighty arguments around this proposition, it is enough to note that ordinary people are thinking about the administration of justice and whether it can be made better. Or, given the law of unforseen consequences, worse. In Ireland, An Garda Síochána does not usually release the ethnicity of individuals charged with crimes. 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William & Kate moving to 8-bed ‘forever home' in Windsor as they plan ‘fresh start' after Princess's cancer treatment
William & Kate moving to 8-bed ‘forever home' in Windsor as they plan ‘fresh start' after Princess's cancer treatment

The Irish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

William & Kate moving to 8-bed ‘forever home' in Windsor as they plan ‘fresh start' after Princess's cancer treatment

PRINCE William is moving his family to a 'forever home' in a bid to build happy memories after three tough years. Eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, nestled in Windsor Great Park, is where William, Kate and children George, Louis and Charlotte will remain even after he becomes King. 12 Prince William and Kate, pictured with children Louis, Charlotte and George, are moving to their 'forever home' Credit: PA 12 Eight-bedroom Forest Lodge is nestled in Windsor Great Park and surrounded by nature Credit: Getty 12 Kate told how she had cancer and began her recovery at Adelaide Cottage Credit: AP Insiders say they are hoping for a 'fresh start' after a difficult time at Adelaide Cottage, during which Queen Elizabeth died and Kate and Charles were diagnosed with cancer. It is the ideal pad for their young family and far removed from Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. They are paying for the move and rent at no extra cost to the taxpayer, it is understood. And, unlike Harry and Meghan when they splashed £2.4million of taxpayers' money on Frogmore Cottage, Wills and Kate are funding all renovations themselves and will have no live-in staff. The Sussexes later paid back the money before being evicted by King Charles. Planning applications seen by The Sun show work has already started on minor internal and external renovations at the 328-year-old, Grade II-listed lodge — and the Waleses aim to be in by Christmas. The home offers spectacular views and football-mad William will be able to see the Wembley Arch from his bedroom window. And Kate has already been spotted picking new furniture to kit out the new abode, including a 24-seater table. A source close to the Waleses told The Sun last night: 'Windsor has become their home. 'However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times. Kate dazzles as she arrives at glitzy state banquet with William & Charles after rolling out red carpet for Macron 'Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind.' The source added: 'This is a move for the long-term. They see it as their forever home.' Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind Source The Sun understands the move from Kensington Palace in London to Adelaide Cottage three years ago was partly designed to test life in Windsor and see if it worked for them as a family. They have since settled in the Berkshire town with the children said to be happy together at Lambrook School a few miles away. Insiders say the Windsor location allows Wills and Kate to be 'as hands on as possible' as parents while balancing Royal Family commitments. 12 William and Kate's new home will be an ideal pad for their young family Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 12 The Windsor location allows Wills and Kate to be 'as hands on as possible' as parents to kids George, Charlotte and Louis Credit: Getty 12 The Waleses will have lived in three properties in as many years Credit: Splash They have been very keen to join their children on the school run. Despite retaining happy memories at Adelaide Cottage, which is four miles from their new home, the past three years have been incredibly difficult. Weeks after moving in they had to cope with the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. Then in February 2024 King Charles revealed he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer. Upgrade on Adelaide Cottage Just a month later Kate told how she too had cancer and she began her recovery at Adelaide Cottage. We can reveal planning permission for modest internal and external renovations to Forest Lodge were lodged with the council in June. Documents show it requires new doors and windows, stripping out of internal walls, ­renovated ceilings and new floors. But there are no plans for any demolition or new outbuildings. The freehold is owned by the King in care of The Crown Estate. The most recent tenants have bought a new property and moved out. This is a move for the long-term. They see it as their forever home Source Forest Lodge was last renovated in 2001 at a cost of £1.5million. At the time it was valued at £5.5million but according to house price indication indices it would be worth around £16million if put on the open market. The media were allowed inside Forest Lodge to capture images of the renovations and restoration 24 years ago. It revealed original stonework, elaborate plaster cornices, ceiling decoration, marble fireplaces, Venetian windows and half-barrel vaulted hallway ceiling. A FRESH BEGINNING By Matt Wilkinson WILLIAM'S decision for a forever home in Windsor Great Park serves as a fresh beginning for his family but also a statement on his future. He is planning to raise his children not in a palace or a castle — but in a house. The family of five's country pile is a world away from the suffocating walls of Buckingham Palace or the draughty passageways of Windsor Castle. It is now clear that William is unlikely to ever live in the palace, which has been home to monarchs since 1837. The London landmark, along with Windsor Castle, will likely be opened up to the public, allowing more royal functions. Unlike Harry and Meghan, when they were handed Frogmore Cottage and splashed £2.5million of taxpayer money on renovations, the family are footing the repair bill and rent. They enjoyed Adelaide Cottage, but it was almost a trial to see if the family could happily settle away from London. The children loved it, they were close to their school and Windsor. And that close family atmosphere will continue at Forest Lodge, where they will still have no live-in staff. The Princess of Wales has strongly advocated countryside pursuits helping her cancer recovery. After three new homes in as many years they will spend the rest of their days at Forest Lodge and Anmer Hall, in beautiful Norfolk. For King and Country(side). In 2001 it went on the rental market for £15,000 a month. Planning applications from the time show three stables were built on the site and existing garages were changed into two semi-detached houses. Two replacement garages were also constructed. The surrounding land comes with several cottages, a large pond and a tennis court. It was listed as Grade II status in 1972 and the official record shows it boasts a cellar, built in Flemish bond red brick, original slate roof, six chimneys, nine bay windows and entrance hall leading into a central drawing room. The home is an upgrade on Adelaide Cottage but still half the size of Prince Andrew's 31-room Royal Lodge. Both are nestled in the heart of the 4,800-acre Great Park. After packing then unpacking their bags, the Waleses will have lived in three properties in as many years. They switched from Kensington Palace into four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage in summer 2022. That move meant they were nearer to Lambrook School on the outskirts of Bracknell. Forest Lodge is ten minutes closer again. The family still have Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, which they use for school holidays and occasional weekends. A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed to The Sun last night: 'The Wales family will move house later this year.' HEIR TO STAY & DONE ROAMIN WILLS and Kate had set up home in Scotland, Wales, London and Norfolk before ending up in Royal Windsor. 12 Wills and Kate had a house-share at St Andrews university Credit: Alamy 12 They then lived in Anglesey when Wills worked as a pilot Credit: Rex 12 Their home at Kensington was Nottingham Cottage as they started a family Credit: Camera Press 12 They moved to an apartment in Kensington Palace after a renovation Credit: Getty 12 Amber Hall in Norfolk is their country retreat and was a gift from the late Queen Credit: Getty 12 They are leaving their current Windsor home, Adelaide Cottage Credit: Rex They first lived together while at the University of St Andrews in a house-share with two friends in 2002. Before their 2011 wedding and for two years after, they lived in a four-bedroom cottage in Anglesey, where Wills was a search and rescue pilot. The couple relocated to Nottingham Cottage, at Kensington Palace, after Prince George was born. And when Apartment 1a at Kensington Palace was renovated, they moved in. In 2015, they moved into Norfolk country retreat Anmer Hall, a wedding present from Elizabeth II. In 2022, they made the move to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate.

Russell Watson reveals he contemplated jumping from hotel balcony in suicide bid amid agonising brain tumour battle
Russell Watson reveals he contemplated jumping from hotel balcony in suicide bid amid agonising brain tumour battle

The Irish Sun

time10 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Russell Watson reveals he contemplated jumping from hotel balcony in suicide bid amid agonising brain tumour battle

He was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery when the tumour grew back RUSSELL Watson revealed he briefly considered ending his life after being diagnosed with his first brain tumour. The opera singer, 58, was recording an album in Los Angeles in 2006 when he paid a visit to Cedars-Sinai Hospital after suffering excruciating headaches. 3 Russell Watson has spoken in detail about his brain tumour battle 3 He revealed he contemplated jumping from a balcony after his first diagnosis in 2006 Credit: PA:Press Association Advertisement Russell had been experiencing them for months and on his flight to the States was in so much pain he was convinced he was going to die. An MRI scan revealed a pituitary tumour - later found to be benign - the size of two golf balls that required emergency surgery. Speaking on Kaye Adams' How To Be 60 podcast, he said: "My whole world came crashing down and the pain got worse – everything was exacerbated with the news of what he'd just told me. "I was staying in a hotel in Beverly Hills and I was on the 8th floor and it was the first time I'd ever felt this way. Advertisement "I can't explain the pain – I've never felt anything like it before or since – it was like a dagger being pressed into the centre of my head and twisted. "It was excruciating and for one moment I stood on my hotel balcony. I literally just thought: 'f**k this, I've had enough.' And I felt like jumping." Fortunately, his mind drifted to his family and he didn't go through with it. He continued: "And then the thought of the children entered my head and they were little girls then - they're not going to manage without me. Back in the room. Went and lay on the bed, rinsed my face with cold water and took the pain on." Advertisement Russell branded himself an "idiot" for staying in LA to complete his record before returning to the UK for a five-hour surgery at St George's Hospital, London. The classical singer was determined to finish the album that he felt at the time might be his legacy record were he to die. Russell Watson breaks down in tears on The One Show after brain tumour battle The impacts of the tumour, which was removed through his nose, are still felt to this day. Russell explained: "I'll be taking a lifetime of replacement drugs and hormones for as long as I'm here, predominantly to my pituitary gland which was pretty much decimated, so there's a constant reminder. "I have to take daily injections and tablets, particularly hydrocortisone, which I was told if I didn't take for a specific amount of time I wouldn't be here anymore. It's the lifesaving drug for me and growth hormones." Advertisement In 2007, disaster struck again when a regrowth of the tumour stopped Russell in his tracks while he was making another album. Help for mental health If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, 116 123 CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) 0800 585 858 Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) 0800 068 41 41 Shout (for support of all mental health) text 85258 to start a conversation Mind, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary). YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too. Rethink Mental Illness, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate). Heads Together, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. Once again he needed emergency surgery, this time at Alexandra Hospital, Greater Manchester. It was followed by radiotherapy as part of his rehabilitation. Last November, Russell broke down in tears on The One Show when he received a video message from the consultant who had looked after him. Mr Lackett told him: "17 years on from that brave decision to have the surgery and look what a glittering career you've had in-between. "I can't tell you how much the team and I were so proud to watch you and your progress after that awful night when you were taken into hospital as an emergency." Advertisement Emotional Russell responded by telling the hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp: "Oh deary me, what a man. And so lovely as well, so down to earth. Just a beautiful human being. "I will be eternally grateful to him." 3 The classical singer was determined to finish his album after his first tumor was found Credit: Getty Symptoms of a benign brain tumour A benign brain tumour is a mass of cells that grows relatively slowly in the brain. Benign means it in not cancerous. Non-cancerous brain tumours tend to stay in one place and do not spread. Some slow-growing tumours may not cause any symptoms at first. When symptoms occur, it's because the tumour is putting pressure on the brain and preventing a specific area of the brain from working properly. As the tumour grows and increases pressure in the skull, you might experience: New, persistent headaches that are sometimes worse in the morning or when bending over or coughing Feeling sick all the time Drowsiness Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision, loss of part of your visual field and temporary vision loss Epileptic seizures that may affect the whole body, or you may just have a twitch in one area See a GP if you develop any of these symptoms. They'll examine you and ask about your symptoms. If they suspect you may have a tumour or are not sure what's causing your symptoms, they may refer you to a brain and nerve specialist for further investigation. Source: NHS

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