The wackiest, most gravity-defying hats on Day One of the Royal Ascot
The Royal Ascot has always attracted exceptionally quirky headwear – but this year’s selection is more flamboyant than ever.
Today, as the highly anticipated event in Berkshire begins, racegoers have showed off some phenomenally creative hats, featuring huge flowers, butterfly-wing shaped structures and ornate 3D models.
Fabric sculptor Daniel Lismore turned heads with his eye-catching ensemble, that featured scarlet feather designs emerging from a Union Jack headpiece, further attached to a bejewelled scarf to create a knight-esque chainmail effect. His fetching hat was from Victoria Grant.
Elsewhere, paying homage to the equestrian theme of the day, one attendee balanced a black and white horse atop her structure, adding white flower designs for a stylish touch.
One Mrs Ines Hernandez leaned into the summery theme with a garden-inspired ensemble, bringing her colourful ensemble together with a theatrical butterfly shaped headpiece.
Fabric sculptor Daniel Lismore turned heads with his eye-catching ensemble, that featured scarlet feather designs emerging from a Union Jack headpiece
Other selections made fun use of colours, textures and shapes as arrivals showed off their unique sense of style.
Glamorous racegoers also donned fascinators and towering heels for the start of Royal Ascot today.
Many 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, paying homage to the equestrian theme of the day, one attendee balanced a black and white horse atop her structure, adding white flower designs for a stylish touch
The Royal Ascot has always attracted exceptionally quirky headwear – but this year’s selection is more flamboyant than ever. Pictured, Rosie Minako (left) and Mrs Ines Hernandez (right)
One racegoer made for an ornate structure with an all-blue equestrian wheel showing horses going around the brim of her hat
Another woman added a fun touch to a classic design, giving her tophat a whimsical but sophisticated feel
One attendee committed to the theme with a regal-inspired hat – that is perfect for both rain or shine
Eliza Cortez donned a perfectly glamorous headpiece adorned with peacock feathers and glittering jewels
Bright colours dominated the day, with many showing off colourful and experimental designs. Pictured left and right, two racegoers who opted for bold, scarlet hats
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.
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.
Miliner Viv Jenner was all about colour coordination as she teamed her purple dress with a matching violet headpiece
Alexandra Bertram went for a summery vibe in a pastel pink outfit that matched her quirky, floral hat
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
Kerry Auld tapped into her fun side with multi-coloured patterns in both her main outfit and hat today
It’s the first year the event, a favourite of the late Queen, will go ahead since her death in September.
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.
Melanie Mar went for a romantic feel with a lacey dress and a huge floral headpiece that resembled a rose
Maria Zherebtsova teamed her red, floral headpiece with a gorgeous mustard yellow ensemble – and fun, bright eyeshadow
‘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.
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.
Lucy Ralph appeared to be inspired by a garden theme, opting for a green ensemble that captures flora with a gathering of colourful butterflies attached at her hat
Megan Nicholls was the image of bold glamour in a red and navy ensemble, featuring a chic statement headpiece
Two racegoers opted for matching outfits as they arrived at Ascot in busy, experimental headpieces
Isabell Kristensen sported an eye catching bright blue ensemble, creating flair and dimension with her multi-toned hat
One woman went for a simple but effective pastel blue hat, that featured a painstakingly decorated brim
Two women grinned as they showed off their experimental hat designs, featuring bright blues and neon greens
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.
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.