The horses are ready, the carriages are waiting and the royals are embraced on their journey from Windsor Palace to the Berkshire. Ascot race track is ready for the action.
The Royal Family have entered the grounds, whilst 5000 high society guests await to pop 51,000 bottles of champagne; 125,000 glasses chilled British and favourite summer drink, Pimms and 7,500 punnets of strawberries ready for tasting, the bars are full and buzzing with people dressed to dazzle.
Without a doubt the winning feature of the event is the daring hats that you see: from butterflies to flowers and all sizes, forms and shapes. It is a must if you visit London at this time of the year, it is a unique opportunity to dress up and enjoy the real British culture. The most extravagant hats and dresses are the ones that draw the attention, so if you want to go unnoticed make sure you don’t wear a peacock on your head.
Ascot Racecourse is highly recognized and famous in the British culture and it is located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire. It is used for thoroughbred horse racing and is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK’s 32 annual top races.
Betting on the Queen’s hat
One of the traditions during the event is to bet on the colour of the Queens’ hat. Funny enough there has been a strange betting scandal today on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot. Bookmakers have suspended the bets before her arrival at the racecourse. There was speculation that Her Majesty would opt for a feathered headdress. This occurred after the Royal Enclosure informed that ladies could wear a feathered headdress instead of a hat, this is part of the changes in the dress code of this year’s Ascot.
However, she disappointed many punters by arriving at the course in a pale blue ensemble by designer Stewart Parvin and a hat in the same colour, designed by New Zealand milliner Philip Somerville.
Be there and be seen
Royal Ascot is the chance to be glamorous, dress up, have fun and have a flutter… and hopefully to see the Queen. This is the first year her Majesty has the pleasure to attend with her grandson. Prince Harry is well known for his fierce red hair and charming smile, he sure captures the attention of all the ladies and the media, ready to spot any celebrities attending the popular event.
We can hear horse hoofs scraping, there is a thrill in the air, the nerves are flowing and the bets have taken place. It now is in the jockey’s fate to set the winner of this year 2014. Who do you think will be this year’s champion?
If you come to the Ascot races, stay at The Caesar Hotel in London
