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Royal Ascot fans have donned their best hats and dresses from the comfort of their own home today as the race meeting commenced for the first time behind closed doors.
For the first time since becoming a ‘royal week’ in 1911, the five-day festival will not be open to the 300,000 visitors who usually descend on the racecourse.
Among the racing enthusiasts staying at home is the Queen, who has been forced to skip the event for the first time in her 68-year reign. In a note shared today, the monarch praised the ‘valiant’ efforts of organisers and said she is sure it will still be the ‘highlight’ of the racing calendar, despite the ‘different’ circumstances.
Virtual attendees have still been joining in the fun by sharing their favourite hat and raceday ensembles on social media with the hashtags #StyledWithThanks #RoyalAscot.
Among the glamorous would-be racegoers taking part are Zara and Mike Tindall, who posed for a photo from their home on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire, where they have been in lockdown with their two children, Mia, six, and Lena, one.
Zara and Mike Tindall were seen dressed up for the occasion at their home to celebrate Royal Ascot
A stylish Royal Ascot fan was pictured wearing a Camilla Rose hat for the occasion (left). Nazer Bullen was pictured wearing a floral red dress and rainbow fascinator
Georgia Toffolo announced on her Instagram stories today that she was joining in the virtual event
A fan from Australia dresses up in a pink and orange ensemble to celebrate the day (left). A milliner wears one of her latest pieces titled ‘Our lives in Their Hands’ for the virtual event (right)
Feeling fabulous! One group of would-be racegoers got together in a garden today
Zara Tindall, 39, was pictured wearing a bespoke hat by Juliette Botterill and dress by Beulah, while Mike, 41, looked dapper in a top hat and morning suit.
Pictures taken at Ascot Racecourse today showed the usually bustling grandstands and hospitality enclosures empty aside from the occasional member of staff, while the roads surrounding the venue were largely deserted.
Racing began with the Buckingham Palace Handicap at 1.15pm followed by the Queen Anne Stakes, which was won by Circus Maximus and Ryan Moore.
Watching from home is the Queen, 94, who praised the ‘valiant’ efforts of those involved in working to make this year’s event a success in a message for the Ascot racecards.
She wrote: ‘I send my best wishes to the thousands of racing professionals and enthusiasts who will join me in celebrating this year’s Royal Ascot.
‘In these challenging times, we are once again delighted to welcome the best horses and jockeys from across the world and pay tribute to those who have helped make this race meeting possible.
‘This year Ascot will feel different for many, as it is so often a chance for friends, families and colleagues to gather together and enjoy a shared passion.
Wilnelia Forsyth pictured in a rainbow fascinator to celebrate the role of key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic (left). Sasha Wilkins posed in a navy dress and floral headpiece to mark the event (right)
Mother and Made in Chelsea star Tabitha Willet donned a coral dress and nude fascinator as she posed in her garden in London
The cast of Absolutely Ascot got into the spirit of things with their own mini event today
Two of the castmembers share a glass of fizz next to a sign reading: Absolutely Fake Ascot
‘I am sure however, that with the valiant efforts of the organisers, owners, trainers and stable staff, it will remain one of Britain’s finest sporting occasions and a highlight of the racing calendar.
‘To everyone attending Royal Ascot, in person or virtually, I hope you have a most enjoyable and unique week of racing.’
Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo, 25, was pictured on her Instagram story today revealing how Ascot is one of her ‘favourite events of the year’.
Toff, as she is affectionately known, was seen wearing a teal-coloured lace dress with a black pillbox hat adorned with lilac bow.
Good Morning Britain and ITV Racing presenter Charlotte Hawkins posted a picture of her outfit for the virtual race meeting.
Good Morning Britain presenter and ITV Racing presenter Charlotte Hawkins was pictured in pastel today for the virtual Royal Ascot event
Francesca Cumani pictured with a pastel-toned fascinator and refreshing drink to celebrate Royal Ascot at Home (left). Entrepreneur Marine Tanguy posed with her nude hat and floral dress for the occasion (right)
One man enjoyed the action from the comfort of his living room – but chose not to dress up
This couple looked smart in their vibrant raceday ensembles to mark the five-day meet
Wearing a lilac, blue, pink and yellow ensemble she wrote: ‘So sad not to be at Royal Ascot this week, it’s first time ever it’s been held behind closed doors.’
Other famous faces have already participated including Francesca Cumani, Laura Wright, Rosie Tapner and Lady Forsyth.
All participants are being encouraged to donate £5 to the campaign fundraising page, share their outfit photo and tell their friends to do the same, helping to spread the #StyledWithThanks message in recognition of those working on the frontline of the global Covid-19 crisis.
Stylist Natasha Vinnikova posed with a rose at her home in Muswell Hill, London (left). Alexandra Wood shared a picture with her cat with the pair suitably matching in pink (right)
Richard Kirby, from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, shared a picture of suitably dressed for the occasion with a glass of bubbly
Gayle Rinkoff pictured in a floral dress and sandals for the occasion (left). Mariko Kuo was pictured wearing a long white jumpsuit with bow surrounded by bouquets on her balcony (right)
Prizes will be given for the most Elegant, Original and Uplifting outfits across the week with a panel of expert industry judges, including Stephen Jones and Caroline Rush of the British Fashion Council, selecting the winners.
Additionally, photos posted using the campaign hashtags will be turned into a giant rainbow mosaic image tribute which will become a permanent installation at Ascot Racecourse.
Ascot is launching the charity appeal with a £100,000 donation to be split between four frontline charities: The National Emergencies Trust Relief Fund, NHS Charities Together, The Care Workers Charity and the Berkshire Community Foundation Coronavirus Fund.
Henry Birtles has written a Royal Ascot at Home poem which has been recorded by some familiar faces including AP McCoy, Frankie Dettori, Liz Hurley, Peter Phillips plus everyday people and supporters of the #StyledWithThanks message.
Henry Birtles has written a Royal Ascot at Home poem which has been recorded by some familiar faces including AP McCoy, Frankie Dettori, Liz Hurley, Peter Phillips plus everyday people and supporters of the #StyledWithThanks message.
The virtual event comes after Royal Ascot updated its style guide to allow navy morning suits to be permitted in the Royal Enclosure along with ‘playful’ ties allowed.
The virtual event comes after Royal Ascot updated its style guide to allow navy morning suits to be permitted in the Royal Enclosure along with ‘playful’ ties allowed.
Stylist and presenter Mark Heyes showed off his Royal Ascot outfit including top hat and morning suit as he stood in front of bunting and flowers
A fashionable fan donned a beautiful Arturo Rios hat for the event (left). Musician Laura Wright was pictured in a bespoke headpiece named ‘Blossom’ (right)
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