Royal Ascot 2023: Glamorous racegoers arrive for the first day at Queen Anne Stakes
Glamorous racegoers donned fascinators and towering heels as they arrived for the start of Royal Ascot today.
Racegoers dodged the earlier wet weather as they put of their best colourful dresses and dapper morning suits to descend on the Berkshire racecourse.
Some female racegoers took advantage of the relaxed dress code, by opting for suits and trousers – instead of the traditional dresses.
While the formal dress code remains, in recent years organisers have encouraged visitors to be more ‘experimental’ with their fashion.
Racegoers can also opt to dress from either the male of female dress code, regardless of their gender.
Zara and Mike Tindall were the first of the royal guests to arrive, with King Charles’ niece opting for a Leo Lin Cecilia Linen Midi Dress in green.
The keen equestrian looked gorgeous in the £375 number which she paired with heels and a fascinator, while ex-Rugby pro husband Mike picked a traditional morning suit.
Elsewhere, Una Healy led the glamour in a crisp white summer dress while tapping into the Barbiecore trend with baby pink court shoe heels and feathered hat, which came with a nod to racing superstar Frankie Dettori.
The former Saturdays star opted for the green and pink statement headpiece – commissioned by bookmakers Ladbrokes – to celebrate the jockey’s final royal meeting.
Welcome to an eclectic first day at Royal Ascot! This trio of racegoers donned a 70s style Tommy Hilfiger suit, a bright red and white floral frock with an over-sized hat, and a chic white dress with a horse-inspired hat
Another race goer used Royal Ascot’s pedigree racers as inspiration for her striking blue headwear
A vision in pink, a beautiful blue and a rainbow brolly to boot: Two of today’s spectators at Britain’s most high profile summer race meet
Some female racegoers took advantage of the relaxed dress code, by opting for suits and trousers – instead of the traditional dresses
Exuberant headwear has dominated day one at Royal Ascot; Eliza Cortez opted for a peacock feather design
This spectator channelled the spirit of the day, arriving wearing a horse-inspired creation
Vibrant: Designer Isabell Kristensen also went bold, donning a turquoise skirt suit, with a dramatic oversized hat
Zara and Mike Tindall were the first of the royal guests to arrive, with King Charles’ niece opting for a Leo Lin Cecilia Linen Midi Dress in green
The keen equestrian looked gorgeous in the £375 number which she paired with heels and a fascinator
Red velvet: Designer Daniel Lismore, described by Vogue as ‘England’s most eccentric dresser’ plumped for a lavish pillar box red crushed velvet with a patriotic Union Jack head piece
Bit of all white! Bruce Forsyth’s widow Wilnelia Merced opted for a crisp white suit, making the most of the new rules
Una Healy led the glamour in a crisp white summer dress while tapping into the Barbiecore trend with baby pink slingback heels and feathered hat – with a nod to racing superstar Frankie Dettori
Una’s hat included a sweet nod to the former Question of Sport star – showing a golden statue of him atop his horse
TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins opted for a pretty green dress and fascinator
The TV presneter, a regular at Ascot, was a vision in green as she stunned from head to toe
English model Hana Cross opted for bridal chic in a cut out gown with shiny black shoes
Quick change: Reality TV star Georgia Toffolo – known as Toff – looked pretty in a ethereal white number before changing into a burned orange piece
Model Eunice Olumide looked every inch a style queen in a beach-themed lilac and apricot dress with an artistic hat in canary yellow
Model Victoria Valentine Brown looked stunning in a pink floral number and modest headpiece
Meanwhile TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins was hoping green was her lucky colour as she opted for a emerald and white outfit for the meet, with a Camilla Rose hat.
Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, starts today with the Queen Anne Stakes and will run until Saturday.
Around 300,000 people are set to attend the prestigious event, some of them royalty and world-famous celebrities.
The day is a much a social occasion as a sporting event and racegoers take the opportunity to turn on the style, from chic hats and summer dresses to sharp suits.
It’s the first year the event, a favourite of the late Queen, will go ahead since her death in September.
Racegoer Katherine Kitson arrives sporting a Union flag outfit on day one of Royal Ascot
Spectator Victoria Brown chose a pretty pleated floral chiffon outfit with white heels and a pale pink bag
Towering heels and pretty dresses were the look for many of the guests at the event
First, let me take a selfie! Huge headpieces were popular with many of the female guests
It’s all ‘armless! One guest opted for statement sleeves in a crisp white number for the occasion
Hats off! This guest appeared to have one of the biggest hats of the day – which she paired with a red dress
Floral chic! Friends complemented each other in yellow and blue as they celebrated the event
One guest opted for a bright pink look with an oversized hat
Another guest added a subtle patriotic touch with a cross on her headpiece
Monochrome was a popular look with many guests who opted for black and white looks
Simple pink looks were another popular choice as many tapped into the Barbiecore trend
Gatsby glamour! One guest opted for art deco chic in a 1920s style get-up
Racegoer Nana Acheampong dons a beautiful acid lime lace detail dress, with a matching manicure
Apple of Ascot’s eye: One guest grabbed attention in a flowing yellow dress – which she paired with a headpiece full of fruits, while another opted for a lime number
Pretty in pink: Another guest opted for a classic baby pink headpiece and blazer dress
All the better to see you with! One guest coordinated her binoculars with her champagne outfit in the ultimate chic move
Perfection in pink: Silky pink was the look of the day of this guest
Many racegoers opted for jumpsuits and trousers for the day out
Retro girlband Tootsie Rollers opted to match in a Pretty Dress Company and Bee Smith hats
The girlband could be mistaken for bridesmaids in their white floral dresses
Hats off to ya! Big fascinators tended to be the look of the day with giant hats popular among guests
Red royal time! One guest looked gorgeous in a huge red hat that was sure to command attention
Eccentric style! While some guests opted for top hats and black lace (left) others pocked multicolours (right)
What a complement! Two racegoers contrasted each other in pink and blue for the day out
Gorgeous in green! One racegoer hoped to tap into the luck of the Irish in her cool mint dress with white heels
The bigger the better! Many of the female guests picked massive fascinators for the day out
In recent years Her Majesty marked the festivities with a royal carriage procession, while the tradition will continue this year, King Charles is yet to confirm if he will be leading it.
However, Charles lead the procession last year, with the Queen watching it from home due to mobility issues.
In honour of the late monarch, the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, a six-furlong sprint which is staged on the Saturday of Ascot’s five day meeting, will from now on be known as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Chairman of Ascot Sir Francis Brooke Bt. said: ‘The late Queen’s close association with Ascot Racecourse was well known throughout the world, but no race at the Royal Meeting previously carried the name of Queen Elizabeth II.
‘His Majesty the King has approved the renaming of the Platinum Jubilee Stakes to The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
‘This will both honour Her Late Majesty in perpetuity and maintain the connection with the three Jubilees celebrated since the inception of the race as the Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2002.’
However, racegoers will notice a subtle change in their cream and gold £7 programmes.
Barbiecore seemed to capture the imagination of many guests who opted for pretty pink looks
Bridal chic! One guest looked gorgeous in an off-white number
Orange you glad to see me! One guest was sure to grab attention in a coral and pink gown with white heeled sandals
She got the monochome memo: Another guest looked smart in a sleek white number ahead of the races
Rainbow glam! Another guest picked all the colours for a sleek outfit
Springtime florals were popular among guests including Apprentice star Luisa Zissman, who managed to narrowly avoid the soggy weather for the day out
One guest opted for a glam rock pink dress with cool grey accesories as she joined a male guest in a morning suit
One guest took advantage of the recently relaxed dress code opted for a jumpsuit instead of the traditional dress
Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, starts today with the Queen Anne Stakes and will run until Ladies’ Day on Friday. One racegoer is pictured
Hat designer Ilda Di Vico modelled her own brand as she showed up in a classic Chanel-inspired black A-line dress with a string of pearls and statement heel
Ilda Di Vico lead the glamour in the monochrome number as she was joined by a male guest in a morning suit
Racegoers aboard a horse drawn carriage on day one of Royal Ascot
It wasn’t just the ladies who dressed to impress with many male guest in a traditional top hat and tails for the occasion
Arriving in style! Many arrived atop a horse-drawn carriage
Perfect pink: Seas of coral, red and pink were on guests throughout the day
Floral fashion was a theme among racegoers, including one who opted for a £2770 feather trim silk dress from Andrew GN (left) while another (right) opted for a £700 number from Elliat
Susan and Matthew Verrall opted for yellow and blue for the day out – with Matthew opting for a fun teddy atop his hat
Two racegoers were hoping to get lucky in jersey colours as they celebrated the day
Union Jack bunting greeted the guests, many dressed in morning suits, as they arrived at the racecourse
Ladies in their best dressed managed to narrowly avoid rain and storms as they queued by for the day out
Pretty in pink! Barbiecore was certainly a theme for the day with many of the female guests in baby pinks
Perfection in purple! One staff member picked a purple fascinator for the day out
Hats off to that! The bigger the better seemed to be the way of the day with fascinators with one racegoer wearing a bright red piece while another chose peacock feathers
Following the Coronation of King Charles, the racecards now carry a new cypher, replacing the late Queen’s official royal emblem with a joint one to reflect both the King and Queen.
On social media, Royal Ascot shared a photograph of the new look, writing: ‘We are delighted to unveil the racecard cover for the opening day of Royal Ascot 2023, the first displaying the joint cypher of Their Majesties The King & Queen.’
Both the King and Queen have individual cyphers. The joint cypher is more similar in design to Queen Camilla’s own emblem but adds an additional swirling C to represent the King.
The Queen Consort’s official cypher is a swirling ‘CR’ monogram under a Crown. The entwined letters stand for Camilla Regina – Latin for Queen.
Like Charles’s cypher, Camilla’s design is based on the Tudor crown but is more elaborate and stylised.
It is the first time in 70 years that the country’s most famous horseracing event will carry a new cypher.
An exhibition by royal photographer Chris Jackson, to mark the late Queen’s close association with Royal Ascot and a lifelong interest in horses and racing is shown. It featured more recent work the exhibition contains photographs from the Getty Images archive including some of her twenty four winners
A sniffer dog roams the ground ahead of day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire
Sniffer dogs made sure the grounds were ready ahead of the arrivals descended on the Berkshire racecoure
The Queen, who passed away in Balmoral Castle last September, had a lifelong association with Royal Ascot, developing a love and passion for horse racing throughout her 70-year reign.
And the event has paid tribute via renaming a race in the late Queen’s honour. The Platinum Jubilee Stakes, a six-furlong sprint which is staged on the Saturday of Ascot’s five day meeting, will from now on be known as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Queen Elizabeth II had 24 winners in total, having been a keen racehorse owner, with her final triumph coming by way of Tactical in the Windsor Castle Stakes three years ago.
Choir Boy raced home as her first ever winner during the 1953 Royal Hunt Cup, which occurred during the same week of Her Late Majesty’s coronation at Westminster Abbey.
The joint cypher is similar in design to Queen Camilla’s own individual cypher but adds an additional swirling C to represent the King
Individual cyphers: Like Charles’s cypher (pictured), Camilla’s design is based on the Tudor crown but is more elaborate and stylised
THE OFFICIAL ROYAL ASCOT STYLE GUIDE 2023
ROYAL ENCLOSURE DRESS CODE
LADIES
Pictured left: Favourbrook jacket £720, trousers £250, waistcoat £320, tie £95, pocket square £35, Oliver Brown top hat £500, Shirt £85, Shoes: Haes and Curtis £149. Pictured right: The Vampire’s Wife dress £1,650, Handbag £450, Hat: Edwina Ibbotson £1,580, Shoes: Roger Vivier £1,350, Ring: Garrard £8,000
Erdem dress £2490, hat £1395, gloves £390, Emilia Wickstead shoes £515, earrings: 4element. Available to rent.
- Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
- Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted.
- Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code. Midriffs must be covered.
- Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
- Jumpsuits are welcome. They should fall below the knee, with regulations matching that for dresses.
- Hats should be worn; however, a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted.
GIRLS
- Girls (aged 10-17) should dress in accordance with the Ladies’ Dress Code. However, they may wear a headpiece or fascinator as an alternative to a hat, without any size restriction.
GENTLEMEN
Favourbrook jacket £720, trousers £250, waistcoat £280, tie £110, shoes £320, Oliver Brown top hat £500, shirt £85
It is a requirement to wear black, grey or navy morning dress which must include:
- A waistcoat and tie (no cravats or bow ties)
- A black or grey top hat
- Black shoes worn with socks
A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a Private Box, a private club or a facility’s terrace, balcony or garden.
Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Gardens.
The customisation of top hats (with, for example, coloured ribbons or bands) is not permitted in the Royal Enclosure
Novelty waistcoats and ties are not permitted. Discreet patterns and those of a patriotic nature (for example, a national flag) are acceptable.
BOYS
- Boys (aged 10-17) should either dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s Dress Code; or alternatively may wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt and tie.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Fancy dress, novelty and branded or promotional clothing is not permitted on site.
QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE DRESS CODE
LADIES
Pictured left: Dress: Simone Rocha £995, Hat: Jane Taylor £1,560, ShuShu Tong bag £450, shoes £875. Pictured right: Emilia Wickstead dress: £1,650, shoes £590, Hat: Edwina Ibbotson £2,045
Pictured left: Dress: Lisa the Label £720, Hat: Emily London £885, Shoes: Roger Vivier £1,150. Pictured right: Oliver Brown suit £327, shirt £85, tie £69, pocket square: Richard Anderson £84, shoes: Christian Louboutin £775
Ladies within the Queen Anne Enclosure are required to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion and are kindly asked to take note of the following:
- A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
- Strapless and sheer dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted. Midriffs must be covered.
- Trouser suits must be full-length and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above. Shorts are not permitted.
GIRLS
- Girls aged 17 and under should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested.
- Hats, headpieces and fascinators may be worn but are not compulsory.
GENTLEMEN
Richard James jacket £585, trousers £345, Oliver Brown shirt £85, tie £49, Hawes and Curtis pocket square £29, shoes £149
Pictured left: Oliver Spencer suit jacket £369, suit trousers £189, shirt: Budd £130, Tie: Oliver Brown £59, pocket square: Richard Anderson £95, shoes: Harry’s £350. Pictured right: Richard James jacket £745, trousers £325, shirt: Budd £130, tie: Oliver Brown £49, pocket square: Richard Anderson £95, shoes: Russel and Bromley £225
Gentlemen’s Dress Code Gentlemen are required to wear a full-length suit with a collared shirt and tie, and kindly asked to take note of the following: Jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern.
- A tie should be worn at all times. Bow ties and cravats are not permitted.
- Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle. Jeans, chinos and trainers are not permitted.
BOYS
- Boys aged 10-17 should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and tie. Younger boys nine and under should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.
VILLAGE ENCLOSURE
LADIES
Pictured left: Bora Aksu blouse £429, skirt £385, shoes £595, hat: Juliette Botterill £370, handbag: Roger Vivier £1,050. Pictured right: dress: Temperley £560, hat: Yuan Li Milinery £580, shoes: Jimmy Choo £750
Pictured left: Shrimps dress £495, bag £475, hat: Bee Smith £250, shoes: Office £40, earrings: Margaux Studios £195. Pictured right: Gant blazer £350, trousers £175, shirt: Hawes and Curtis £55, tie: Oliver Brown £59, shoes: Christian Louboutin £775
Ladies within the Village Enclosure are required to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion and are kindly asked to take note of the following:
- A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
- Strapless and sheer dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted. Midriffs must be covered.
- Trouser suits must be full-length, and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above. Shorts are not permitted
Please note, the Village Enclosure is a grassed area and ladies should consider their hat size and shoes accordingly. Smaller hats or fascinators and wedges or block heels are recommended in place of large headwear or stilettos.
GIRLS
- Girls aged 17 and under should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested.
- Hats, headpieces and fascinators may be work but are not compulsory.
GENTLEMEN
Gant blazer £350, trousers £175, Hawes and Curtis shirt £55, shoes £149, tie: Oliver Brown £59
Gentlemen are required to wear a full-length trousers and jacket with a collared shirt and tie, and kindly asked to take note of the following:
- A tie should be worn at all times. Ties, bow ties or cravats can be worn in the Village Enclosure.
- Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle.
- Jeans and trainers are not permitted.
BOYS
Boys aged 10-17 should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and tie. Younger boys nine and under should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.
WINDSOR ENCLOSURE
LADIES
Dress: LK Bennett £499, hat: Juliette Botterill £430, shoes: Kurt Geiger £99
Whilst there is no official Dress Code for the Windsor Enclosure, Ladies are encouraged to dress in smart daywear.
It is recommended that ladies wear smart attire with a hat or fascinator.
GENTLEMEN
Ted Baker jacket £279, trousers £150, shirt £95, pocket square: Oliver Brown £35, shoes: Grenson £295
Whilst there is no official Dress Code for the Windsor Enclosure, Gentlemen are encouraged to dress in smart daywear.
It is recommended that Gentlemen wear a jacket, collared shirt and full-length trousers.