Royal Ascot: A Spectacular Display of Fashion and Elegance with King Charles as the First Patron

2023-06-23 01:54:00

In the county of Berkshire these days it’s all about fast steeds, eye-catching headgear and lots of champagne. The social highlight of the world-famous horse race in Ascot is “Ladies Day” on Thursday, when the ladies wear unusual hat creations. This year, for the first time, the patron of the entire event is King Charles, who, befitting his status, drove up in a carriage.

Charles first patron

The 74-year-old is not considered to be as great a horse lover as his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, but he does not miss the visit to Ascot. Charles and his wife Camilla (75) watch the races from the VIP area, the so-called Royal Enclosure. Anyone who has access here – and can thus get a seat near the king – must adhere to a strict dress code.

The women’s dresses must reach at least the knee, the straps must not be narrower than 2.5 centimeters, according to the specifications, which are checked by “dress code assistants” on the site. The lady’s hat must “cover a sufficient area of the head, at least 10 centimeters” – more is expressly welcome. In the exclusive sector, men wear cutaways, i.e. jackets, waistcoats, white shirts, ties and black shoes – and a very classic top hat. The selection of drinks is also exclusive: the organizers expect consumption of 180,000 bottles of champagne and 120,000 bottles of wine over the five days.

Queen Anne started the race in 1711 to select fast war horses for war. Since then Ascot has seen many winners, legendary horses but also daring jockeys. At least as important at Ascot are Hollywood greats, oil sheiks and the financial aristocracy. The race is both a fashion show and a social party – and a must-attend event for society ladies and those who want to become one. You drive up in style in the Bentley.

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