Who Wore What at Britain's Royal Ascot 2022
The Royal Ascot, Britain’s most glamorous annual horse race, was back in June 2022 for the first time since 2019. The event dates back to 1711, when Queen Anne founded the Royal Racecourse. It is traditionally opened on a Tuesday and takes place over five days, each with unique events and races. Royals, aristocrats, and elegant guests put in an appearance throughout the week.
Each day begins with the Royal Procession when the Queen and other members of the royal family arrive in Royal Landaus. The third day of the races, the Thursday, is the most thrilling when the oldest and most esteemed race takes place – The Gold Cup. It is also when haute couture and millinery work of arts take center stage. The day is therefore dubbed as the “Ladies Day”.
The Royal Ascot has a varying formal dress code, the strictest being in The Royal Enclosure where men must dress in grey, navy or black with a top hat, while women must attend in formal daywear and a hat. Over the years hats have become even more extravagant as they are a significant part of the Royal Ascot fashion.
This year, for the first time in decades, Queen Elizabeth did not attend the races. On Friday the 17th, day four of the Royal Ascot, His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise appearance in Berkshire. Kate Middleton joined her husband in the traditional carriage procession wearing a brown polka-dotted Alessandra Rich dress paired with a Sally-Ann Provan hat. Prince William looked dapper in a suit and black top hat. Kate’s look was reminiscent of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, but more importantly it was a touching tribute to the dearly departed Princess Diana, who wore a similar look to the Royal Ascot back in 1988.
