Royal Ascot

Americans have the Kentucky Derby, the British have Royal Ascot.  Royal Ascot is one of Europe's most famous race meetings and dates to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne and it takes place in June.  Every year Royal Ascot is attended by Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family.  The race course is very near Windsor Castle. 

It is a major event on the British social calendar and coverage of outfits worn often eclipes the horses.

The Royal Enclosure is the most prestigious of the three enclosures with recent visits from the Queen and Royal Family members.

Access to the royal enclosure is restricted with high security on the day. First time applicants must apply to the Royal Enclosure office and gain membership from someone who has attended the enclosure for at least four years. For existing badgeholders, an invitation is sent out by Her Majesty's Representative to request badges. The badgeholders name is written onto the badge and can only be used by that person; the colours of the badges vary each day for one day applicants. Those in the Royal Enclosure have the options of fine dining and hospitality and a selection of bars. The Dress is strictly enforced, for Ladies only a day dress with a hat is acceptable with rules applying to the length of the dress and ladies must not show bare midriffs or shoulders. For gentlemen a black or grey morning dress and top hat.

And then there are the horses.................

Some of us would also watch the equines.