It’s the middle of June already.
For those in the know (with that specific British sensibility), the quintessential British summer season has truly arrived when racing’s most glamorous spectacle kicks off, and tends to feel quite melancholy and over as Wimbledon ends.
So essentially, we only have a few weeks to bask in that British joie de vivre that we all look forward to, and down as much Pimm’s and copious amounts of strawberries as possible.
So first stop, Royal Ascot.
A brief background for those who don’t know: It’s definitely royal
Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, with more than 300,000 attendees annually.
Famed for Royal pageantry, an ironclad dress code per enclosure, and a steady flow of champagne and Pimm’s. With the Royal Procession initiating each of the five days, as the Royal Family arrives in horse-drawn landaus, and then proceeds to enjoy the races from the Royal Enclosure.
Royal Ascot is quite rightly synonymous with Her late Majesty. As of 2023, the prestigious £1 million race, ‘The Platinum Jubilee Stakes’ has been renamed ‘The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes’ as a means to immortalise her legacy.
Queen Elizabeth II pats her gold cup winning horse Estimate on Ladies Day of Royal Ascot, 2013. Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Exclusivity makes it what it is: The challenge lies in getting into the Royal Enclosure
Going to Royal Ascot is not hard, as tiered ticket pricing has made it as accessible as any other major sporting event.
The challenge lies in getting into the Royal Enclosure. As you’ll need to be a member or a guest of a member in order to gain entry. This exclusivity is essential to Royal Ascot’s aristocratic mystique, with hushed hurdles comparable to joining an elite society or exclusive country club.
“The Queen Anne Enclosure is the equivalent of flying premium economy. Women are asked to dress “smartly” with some kind of headdress. Men are required to wear suits and ties. It’s extremely crowded, aspirational, fun, and very young.” (Town and Country)
In the Royal Enclosure, it’s required for women to wear a modest pantsuit or dress, with a hat which must have a base with a minimum of four inches. Fascinators are a definite no no. For men, it’s a must to wear traditional morning dress, i.e. a grey or black tailcoat, a waistcoat, top hat and striped trousers. Hats are to be worn at all times, except inside restaurants.
“To this day, the Royal Enclosure remains the beating heart of Ascot, with visitors desperate to set foot in a space frequented every year by the late monarch.” (Tatler)
However, the idea of attending can be polarising as “Royal Ascot is a wouldn’t-miss-it for some, a wouldn’t-be-caught-dead-there for others.” (Town and Country) So, the meeting has taken considerable steps towards becoming more welcoming and inclusive, in a sense modernising like the Royal Family has.
Racegoers during day four of Royal Ascot, 2022. Photo: Getty Images
Seven Ways Royal Ascot Has Become More Inclusive
So here are the seven ways Royal Ascot has worked towards greater inclusivity and comfort, curated by the experts at TXODDS:
1. Dress Code Revisions:
The dress code has become more accommodating for more diverse fashion, so personal style can be more exuberant yet still bound within the signature style and elegance of the meeting.
There are still specific dress codes per enclosure, however some have loosened their rules, whilst others have tightened them, e.g., it made headlines in 2017 when jumpsuits were permitted as acceptable attire. (BBC) As of 2019, the Queen Anne enclosure allows sheer and midriff tops, whilst fascinators are now mandatory in the Windsor Enclosure. (Tatler)
Gender Boundaries: Guests can now choose whichever gender dress code they wish, so women can wear tails, tops and tuxedos, and vice versa for men. “According to a spokesperson, the move is designed to encourage inclusivity and make everyone feel comfortable.” (Tatler)
Heatwaves: As of 2022, it’s now permitted for men to remove their ties. As “on the most excruciatingly hot day, officials did make a tradition-breaking exception, allowing men to doff their coats and hats intermittently.” (Town and Country)
No Tiaras and Sashes: However, you definitely can’t show up in stag do or hen night attire, as that’s regarded as novelty clothing. (Royal Ascot)
A sign at the race grounds that acknowledged the heat. Photo: Getty Images
2. Raising Female Representation
Royal Ascot has traditionally been male-dominated, however organisations like Women in Racing and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have worked towards creating a more inclusive environment for women in the sport, with an increase in the amount of races designated for female jockeys.
Establishment of the Commonwealth Cup: As of 2015, Royal Ascot introduced the Commonwealth Cup, a Group 1 race specifically for three-year-old sprinters, which gave opportunity for female horses to compete against their male counterparts on an equal footing.
Recognition of Achievements: The meeting has acknowledged and celebrated the achievements of female jockeys, which raises awareness and appreciation for female athletes in the sport. For example, in 2019, Hayley Turner became the first female jockey to ride a Royal Ascot winner in over three decades. (Guardian)
Promoting Female Participation: Royal Ascot has actively encouraged more female jockeys to participate. This includes initiatives like offering mentorship programs, supporting the development of women in racing, and working with racing organisations to promote equal opportunities.
3. Encouraging Cultural Diversity:
The meeting is making an ongoing effort to engage with a wider range of cultures and races, to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for participants and spectators alike. This has been reflected in the fashion competitions and showcases held during the event, which celebrate creativity and individuality.
“National dress is permitted in all enclosures. If your national dress does not include a hat or headpiece then you do not need to wear one”. (Royal Ascot)
However, it shouldn’t just be a one-sided attempt to encourage diversity.
As Bree Johnson-Obeng remarked in her op-ed about attending Royal Ascot as a Black woman. “In order to diversify the room – we have to dare to show up. Otherwise things won’t change. My friends and I have decided we are going to attend every year. You should, too.” (British Vogue)
4. Community Engagement:
Royal Ascot actively collaborates with charities, schools, and community organisations to provide opportunities for individuals who may not have had previous exposure to horse racing. Special race days and events are often organised to encourage participation from diverse backgrounds. E.g. In 2017, ‘Ascot Racecourse Supports’ was launched, “with the aim to support small, local charities and community groups with a focus on children and mental health issues in addition to equine charities.” (Royal Ascot)
5. International participation
Royal Ascot has sought to attract a more international audience, highlighting its appeal to people from different countries and cultures. This has been achieved by promoting the event globally, inviting international participants, and showcasing the international nature of the sport.
Here’s a look back at all the international royals who have graced Royal Ascot through the years. (Tatler)
6. Tiered Ticket Pricing
Lower-priced ticket tiers can attract individuals who may have been hesitant or unable to attend at higher price points. This can lead to increased attendance from a diverse range of attendees, representing different socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and demographics.
7. Entertainment and Hospitality: Royal Ascot has diversified its entertainment offerings and hospitality options to cater to a broader range of tastes and preferences. This includes a variety of live music performances, themed areas, and culinary choices that embrace different cultural influences.
It’s worth noting that while the meeting has made efforts to become more inclusive, it continues to prioritise its rich heritage and traditions. The aim has been to create an environment that welcomes a wider audience whilst preserving the unique charm and elegance that Royal Ascot is renowned for.
So “regardless of the rigours of the rig, it’s well worth the effort to hobnob with royals and other assorted fancy folk while watching some of the most thrilling thoroughbred racing imaginable.” (Town and Country)
