With traditions stretching back to the 18th century, Royal Ascot has become a quintessentially British occasion, filling every summer with the thrill of winning and of course high fashion. The days of wearing white gloves to the elbow in case one should accidentally touch the monarch in passing have gone, but many traditions live on.
Royal Ascot Traditions: official and unofficial rules
Top hats: Gentlemen may remove top hats within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s terrace, balcony or garden, or within any enclosed seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden. You may not customise top hats (with, for example, coloured ribbons or bands) if you wish to enter the Royal Enclosure.
Lunch: Although not recognised by many at present day meetings, one rule dictates that all attendees should finish eating their lunch when the Queen has had her fill.
Bare legs: No matter what the enclosure, women must wear tights or stockings and may be asked to go home and change if they arrive with bare legs.
Yes, I do: The course has a few pink benches sprinkled around the grandstand and silver ring enclosures. Careful where you sit - these benches are there for marriage proposals.
Taboos to Avoid
Photos: It may be tempting, but refrain from taking photos of your fellow race-goers if possible, especially in the Royal Enclosure.
Fashion faux pas: Halter necks, plunging necklines and questionable shoes are among mistakes which are likely to get you picked up by the prying eyes of journalists. The Royal Ascot Fashion Faux Pas roundup has become an annual tradition online and on TV.
Royal Ascot Dress Code
Silver Ring
Price: £
Dress Code:
Most entrants to the Silver Ring choose to wear hats or fascinators, but the official dress code does not stipulate this.
Grandstand Enclosure
Price: ££
Dress Code:
Ladies
Women are advised to “dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion”, with hats to be worn at all times. Strapless, sheer or midriff-showing outfits and shorts are not permitted, and trouser suits should be full length.
Gents
Men are required to wear suit, shirt and tie, with no hats required. You may if you wish of course, but you won’t be denied entry without one.
Royal Enclosure
Price: £££
Dress Code:
Ladies
Dresses and skirts should be ‘of a modest length’, and straps should be at least one inch wide (narrower and jackets or shawls should be worn to cover the shoulder area). Trouser suits are a relatively new addition to the official dress code, and must be matching and full length.
Hats or headpieces with diameters of 4 inches or more must be worn.
Gents
Men must wear black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat and tie – no cravats allowed. This must be paired with grey or black top hat and black shoes. Even the crème de la crème of politics and society have been shunned for wearing brown shoes in the Royal Enclosure.
Find out more about the dress codes for this year and how to get your hands on last-minute tickets at http://www.ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot/.
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