And here we  go again, this time reporting from Royal Ascot, one of Europe’s most famous race meetings, attended every year by HM Elizabeth II and various members of the British Royal Family, and more notorious for the very extravagant hats all ladies attending decide to wear than for the race itself. Here are some trivia facts you might be interested in if you are new to the event, and the first amazing gallery of hats!!!

There are 3 enclosures attended by guests during Royal Ascot. The most prestigious is the Royal Enclosure. Access to the Royal Enclosure is restricted with High security and first time applicants must apply to the Royal Enclosure office and gain membership from someone who has attended the enclosure for at least 4 years. The badgeholders have their names and titles written onto the badge and the colours of the badges vary each day for one day applicants. The dress code is very strict for this enclosure: ladies can only wear a day dress with a hat and there are rules applying to the length of the dresses as ladies must not show bare midriffs or shoulders. Men have to wear a full morning suit, either black or grey, including a waistcoat and a top hat. Miniskirts aren’t allowed and trousers must be full length. Less strict than the Royal Enclosure is the Grandstand. Women must be smartly dressed and, though hats aren’t compulsory, many women like to wear them for the occasion. Gentlemen are required to wear a shirt and tie and preferably a suit or jacket. For Silver Ring admission smart dress is encouraged, though a less formal look code is accepted. Ladies’ Day is historically the most popular day of Royal Ascot and takes place on Day 3 (Thursday). This has always been the best attended day because the Ascot Gold Cup is held on this day. It is notoriously the day when there is the largest concentration of extravagant hats, though the taste of wearing amazing and sometimes ridiculous headgear is very present each day.