Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is one of the most popular horse-racing events in the UK and the epitome of the social calendar. It is a series of horse races that take place at Ascot racecourse in Berkshire in the middle of June.
The racecourse dates back to 1711, when Queen Anne founded it. By 1911, the annual summer race meeting at Ascot became known as Royal week. Over the course of the 5-day event, almost all senior members of the royal family, the Queen included, attend. They come down the racetrack in an open carriage before getting off to enjoy the races from the royal enclosure.
Image: https://www.vogue.com/article/an-etiquette-guide-to-royal-ascot-dos-and-donts
All the rich and famous from the UK want to be seen and photographed at the event, not only because it’s the social event of the year but also because of the fashion stakes. Royal Ascot has a very specific dress code. Although this varies in each enclosure within the recourse, you can generally find the men wearing a three-piece suit and top hat, whilst the ladies must wear a hat or headpiece and have shoulders covered. There are prizes each day for the best-dressed guests.
Of course there wouldn’t be an event without the actual horse-racing. Numerous races take place on the course throughout the year with both flat and jump races. At Royal Ascot, the names of the races tend to be royal-themed; the King George V Stakes, Diamond Jubilee Stakes, the Windsor Castle Stakes. The winning jockeys and breeders tend to be awarded their prizes by the attending senior members of the royal family. As a horse lover herself, the Queen often has jockeys and her own horses running in the races.
Ascot racetrack has numerous different areas and ticket prices as well as expected service varies greatly. In some areas, you have an all inclusive sit-down meal whilst in other areas, it’s a bar-only service. No matter where you are throughout the event, there is always fun around the corner. There are live bands and musicians, fine-dining experiences and the all important betting. Each day of Royal Ascot ends with British songs and the national anthem being sung out loud for all to hear.
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Image: https://www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on/royal-ascot-p381971
Ascot is easily accessible by direct train from Waterloo station in London, so if you’re around the area in June, it’s definitely worth a visit. Note that tickets need to be purchased in advance and the dress code must be abided by.
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