Every summer, the world of horse racing turns its eyes to Berkshire and the prestigious Royal Ascot. This charming British town is transformed with the races, haute couture, celebrities, and, of course, the presence of royalty. The emblematic event, which this year takes place from June 16 to 20, is not limited to horse racing: it is a dazzling display of pomp and pageantry, with a tradition dating back three centuries.
The heart of Royal Ascot is the horse races, which attract the finest Thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers from all over the world. The total cash prize for the event amounts to 13 million euros, with prestigious races such as the Gold Cup or the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The competition originated in 1711, when Queen Anne founded the racecourse, located about 50 minutes from London. “It is ideal for horses to gallop at full speed,” she said at the time.
The Royal Procession, where this year we will again see Queen Camilla or Kate Middleton in their carriages, dates back to 1825, and it was George IV who started the tradition. Throughout the event, the procession took place at two o’clock in the afternoon on each day. Queen Elizabeth II was a great enthusiast of Royal Ascot and she only missed the event once during her seventy-year reign. She owned 22 race winners, and her beloved horse Estimate went on to win a Gold Cup.
Royal Ascot not only attracts every year members of the British royal family. The Gulf monarchies, such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates or Kuwait, play a leading role in the competition. Their strong bond is not only due to their attendance as guests of honour of the British Crown, but to their massive investment as owners and sponsors in the UK.
The Dress Code of Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is renowned for its top hats, morning coats, fascinators and wide-brimmed hats. In the early 19th century the dress code was established that, to a certain extent, remains in force today. Beau Brummell, a close friend of the Prince Regent, decreed that men should wear black jackets and white ties. The famed dandy was said to spend five hours each day getting dressed and to clean his shoes with champagne.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at Royal Ascot last year.
In the exclusive main enclosure that houses the Windsors, the Royal Enclosure, wearing a hat is mandatory. For men, it is mandatory to wear a suit with a waistcoat, a tie, black shoes and a top hat. Suits must be black, grey or navy blue, and bow ties or ties are not permitted. For women, dresses or skirts must reach at least below the knee, and halter neck, strapless, one-shoulder, spaghetti straps or sheer fabrics are not allowed.
The wearing of wide-brimmed hats and fascinators at Royal Ascot is one of the most iconic traditions in the equestrian world and fashion. The event reaches its peak of creativity during the Ladies’ Day, where attendees compete to showcase the most extravagant and imaginative designs.
The Absences at Royal Ascot 2026
King Charles and Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales will lead this new edition of Royal Ascot, where other senior Windsor members will also be present, such as Princess Anne. Zara Tindall and her newly married brother Peter Phillips are also avid enthusiasts of this equestrian event.
Once again, neither Prince Harry nor his wife Meghan Markle are expected to attend. The same goes for Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson. The main question concerns the possible appearance of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Absent at the recent Trooping the Colour parade, their parents’ links to the Epstein case make their attendance at Royal Ascot unlikely, although it has been reported that their uncle Charles had personally invited them.
