Royals turn out in force for Royal Ascot as Queen misses out

Prince Charles and Camilla led the royal family today at Royal Ascot as they came out in force – while the Queen missed the event amid her ongoing mobility issues. 

Her Majesty was a regular at the Berkshire racecourse before the pandemic and has been at every Royal Meeting since acceding to the throne in 1952, apart from when it was held behind closed doors in 2020.

However the 96-year-old monarch will likely be watching from home just seven miles away at Windsor Castle this afternoon, especially when her horse King’s Lynn races in the King’s Stand Stakes at 3.40pm.

Instead, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were in attendance alongside Sophie Wessex, Princess Beatrice and Zara Tindall. 

Meanwhile Kate Middleton’s parents Carole and Michael also made a surprise appearance at the event today.  

The Queen, who has owned 22 winners of races at Royal Ascot, was among racegoers attending last year after it was selected to take part in the Government’s events research programme on behalf of the sport of racing.

She did not attend the first day of last year’s races but was later present at day five with her racing manager John Warren and inspected her four horses in the Parade Ring after they crossed the finish line.

The Queen is a passionate horse breeder and has a number of runners scheduled to be entered at Royal Ascot this week. But while the monarch will not be in the royal box today, racegoers are likely to see Charles, Camilla and Mr Phillips amongst other royals in there.

Prince Charles and Camilla led the royal family today at Royal Ascot as they came out in force for the first day of the races – while the Queen missed the event amid her ongoing mobility issues

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were in attendance alongside Princess Beatrice (left with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi) and Zara Tindall (right) 

Meanwhile Sophie Wessex was elegant in an over-the-top raspberry hat today as she joined other members of the royal family at the event 

Meanwhile the Queen’s only daughter Princess Anne was also in attendance at the event, opting for a cream coat dress with a brown fascinator 

Princess Beatrice looked in full today as she stepped out for the first day of Royal Ascot in a head-to-toe floral ensemble.  

Sporting a £656 belted cream Zimmermann midi dress with pink flowers, the royal, 33, posed with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 38, with whom she shares daughter Sienna.

She paired the look with neutral heels and a £370 Juliette Botterill Millinery London floral straw headband for the yearly horse-racing event.

Princess Beatrice kept her makeup minimal, with a sweep of pale pink lipstick and light eyeshadow.

She opted to wear her auburn locks loose and held a light brown clutch bag.

Meanwhile Kate Middleton’s parents Carole and Mike were among those attending the first day of the Royal Ascot this afternoon 

Carole opted for a baby pink gown with black accessories including an eye-catching black fascinator for the outing today alongside her husband Michael (left and right) 

Adding a fun touch to her outfit, her bag was monogrammed with the initials B.Y. – a nod to her royal title ‘Princess Beatrice of York.’

The royal completed her look with some simple jewellery, including a small gold bracelet. 

Meanwhile, her husband opted for the customary traditional morning dress, complete with a black top hat, light waistcoat and tails, and co-ordinated with Beatrice’s outfit by wearing a soft pink tie.

Beatrice was perfectly coordinated with her aunt, the Countess of Wessex, who is married to the Queen’s son Prince Edward, at the event.

An excited Zara looked delighted to be back attending the races alongside her family today, with the royal beaming with glee as she arrived 

Zara and Mike Tindall were beaming as they arrived at the horse race in the sunshine earlier today, with the Princess Royal’s daughter donning a purple mini dress for the occasion 

The mother-of-three donned a white fascinator, which featured distinctive pink and purple fluffy balls across the top, while her husband Mike coordinated 

Sophie opted for an eye catching over-the-top raspberry red Jane Taylor hat which she paired with a custom Suzannah dress.

She swept her blonde locks into an updo, revealing the intricate necklace of the baby pink gown as she stood in the box to watch the races. 

Meanwhile the Queen’s only daughter Princess Anne was also in attendance at the event, opting for a cream coat dress with a brown fascinator.

Her daughter Zara, who is an Olympian equestrian and shares the Queen’s love of horses, donned a colourful purple and blue gown for the occasion.  

The Queen’s granddaughter Zara put an affectionate arm around her uncle Prince Charles earlier this afternoon as the pair chatted at Ascot 

A royal right royal chat! Princess Anne’s daughter could be seen speaking with her uncle Prince Charles as the two basked in the sunshine at the racecourse 

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A warm greeting for Zara! Prince Charles appeared in good spirits as he chatted with his niece at the races today (left) with the two exchanging an affectionate kiss on the cheek as they met (right) 

Meanwhile Princess Beatrice also offered Prince Charles a kiss on the cheek, while her husband Edoardo tipped his hat to the royal 

Mother-of-three Zara greeted her mother Princess Anne and her brother Peter Philips with similar affectionate greetings, hugging them both close as she gave them a kiss on the cheek 

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in the parade ring during Royal Ascot 2022 at Ascot Racecourse

Princess Anne and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall chatted on the lawn during the event this afternoon 

The Royal Enclosure is strictly invitation only and was established in 1807, and was originally only for guests of King George III. 

For the area, Town and Country has previously reported that there is a very strict dress code.

Women are asked to dress modestly and wear hats or headpieces with broad bases- fascinators are not allowed.

The dress code states: ‘Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Jackets and pashminas may be worn.’

Men are allowed to remove their hats ‘within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or a facility’s terrace, balcony or garden’ or any enclosed seating area on the premises. 

For the Royal Enclosure, everyone has to wear name tags, with the car park also exclusive, as guests gather there for picnics. 

In contrast, this year’s  published Style Guide for the event, the eleventh of its kind, hints at a more relaxed approach elsewhere, suggesting exuberant occasion wear is positively encouraged in 2022. 

The Queen’s grandson Peter Philips was also in attendance at the event this afternoon alongside his mother, Princess Anne and his sister Zara  

Sophie and Charles shared a kiss on the cheek as they arrived in the royal box to watch the event kick off earlier this afternoon 

Prince Charles could be seen gesturing across the racecourse as he chatted to Sophie earlier this afternoon in the royal box 

Prince Charles and Sophie put on a very friendly display as they stood together at the Royal Ascot and chatted ahead of the races today 

The Duchess of Cornwall appeared enthralled by the races ahead of the start, and could be seen reading through the programme with Prince Charles 

Meanwhile Camilla gestured across the racecourse as she stood alongside Prince Charles and her sister-in-law Sophie Wessex 

Sophie Wessex opted for an eye catching over-the-top raspberry red Jane Taylor hat which she paired with a custom Suzannah dress

The Countess of Wessex (centre) watches from the stands during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse

This has been reflected in an array of bold and colourful style choices among racegoers. 

Princess Beatrice’s appearance at Royal Ascot to take her place in the Royal Enclosure comes after she last night enjoyed an evening at Mayfair’s private member’s club Oswald’s with Paul McCartney’s daughter Mary.

She dressed down for the occasion, leaving wearing a denim jacket and black floral headband.

The club on Albemarle Street in Mayfair is famous among wine connoisseurs, and is owned by fellow environmental activist Robin Birley, whose father named his famous members’ club Annabel’s after his socialite wife – Lady Annabel Goldsmith.

The Princess Royal appeared in good spirits as she arrived at the event in the sunshine earlier today 

Delighted racegoers at Ascot were quick to try to snap a picture of the royal couple as they took part in the procession earlier this afternoon 

Meanwhile Prince Charles’ (left) sister Princess Anne followed shortly afterwards, wearing a cream blazer with a matching dress for the occasion (right) 

The couple appeared in high spirits as they lapped up the warm summer sunshine during the carriage procession this afternoon 

A royal wave for the crowds! Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall offered a greeting to the royal fans who gathered to watch the carriage ride 

The Prince of Wales was in high spirits and could be seen waving to crowds from the horse drawn carriage with Camilla 

Prince Charles and Camilla lead the arrivals in the first carriage of the royal procession during the horse race today 

The couple smiled as they arrived at the event in a horse-drawn carriage this afternoon, taking in the sights of the racecourse and the warm summer weather 

Prince Michael of Kent and his wife Princess Michael arrived at the event in a horse drawn carriage earlier this afternoon 

It is a haunt frequented by royals , with Prince William enjoying a night out there with friends in November. 

The Queen will not attend Royal Ascot today as she misses out on the event amid her ongoing mobility issues – but there will be a procession featuring Prince Charles, Camilla and Peter Phillips in the first carriage.

Following behind in the second carriage was the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent; while in the third carriage will be Princess Anne, the Queen’s close friend Lord de Mauley and former British Horseracing Authority head of stewarding William Nunneley with his wife Caroline.

In the fourth carriage at the procession – the details for which were revealed at noon today – will be the Earl and Countess of Hopetoun along with Tom Hooper and Lady Alexandra Hooper, who is also close with the royals.

Sporting a £656 belted cream Zimmermann midi dress with pink flowers, the royal, 33, posed ahead of Royal Ascot in Berkshire today

Princess Beatrice opted to wear her auburn locks loose and held a light brown clutch bag. Her bag appeared to have the initials ‘B.Y’ on it, in a nod to her royal title ‘Princess Beatrice of York’

Yesterday, the Queen was pictured with Charles and Camilla to mark the Order of the Garter service – with the monarch dressed in a silver white gown and her blue Garter sash and holding a walking stick. 

The photograph was taken at Windsor Castle yesterday ahead of the Garter service in St George’s Chapel. On the Queen’s arm was a matching silver handbag and in her hand her glasses.

She was also wearing her Garter star badge, her Bow Brooch and silver shoes. The Queen did not take part in the traditional procession of Garter Knights and Ladies through the grounds of the Berkshire castle.

Given her ongoing mobility issues, the decision was expected and in past years she has travelled by car to the place of worship. She did attend the behind-the-scenes lunch and investiture ceremony.

The royal completed her look with some simple jewellery, including a small gold bracelet and a bag with her initials ‘B.Y’, Beatrice of York engraved 

Meanwhile Royal Ascot today welcomed racegoers to the stands for the sporting and social event as punters dressed in outlandish hats, summer dresses and smart suits cheer on the riders over the next five days.

Ascot Racecourse announced earlier in the year that visitor numbers would be reduced as part of its long-term ambition and following feedback from punters who attended the smaller scale Royal Ascot in 2021.

Capacity on each day will be reduced by 1,000 people in the Royal Enclosure, and for the Queen Anne and Windsor Enclosures cut by 4,150 and 2,000 respectively, with new facilities introduced.

Felicity Barnard, commercial director at Ascot, said earlier this year: ‘A key message in the feedback from the 2021 Royal Meeting, when attendance was limited to 12,000 per day as part of the Government’s Events Research Programme, was that people really appreciated the benefit of additional space.’

Royal Ascot Dress Code 2022 

ROYAL ENCLOSURE DRESS CODE 

LADIES  

Pictured left: Favourbrook jacket £720, trousers £250, waistcoat £320, tie £95, pocket square £35, Oliver Brown top hat £500, Shirt £85, Shoes: Haes and Curtis £149. Pictured right: The Vampire’s Wife dress £1,650, Handbag £450, Hat: Edwina Ibbotson £1,580, Shoes: Roger Vivier £1,350, Ring: Garrard £8,000 

Erdem dress £2490, hat £1395, gloves £390, Emilia Wickstead shoes £515, earrings: 4element. Available to rent. 

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer. 
• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted.
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code. Midriffs must be covered. 
• Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
• Jumpsuits are welcome. They should fall below the knee, with regulations matching that for dresses. 
• Hats should be worn; however, a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted. 

GIRLS

• Girls (aged 10-17) should dress in accordance with the Ladies’ Dress Code. However, they may wear a headpiece or fascinator as an alternative to a hat, without any size restriction. 

 GENTLEMEN

Favourbrook jacket £720, trousers £250, waistcoat £280, tie £110, shoes £320, Oliver Brown top hat £500, shirt £85 

It is a requirement to wear black, grey or navy morning dress which must include: 

• A waistcoat and tie (no cravats or bow ties)
• A black or grey top hat
• Black shoes worn with socks

A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a Private Box, a private club or a facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. 

Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Gardens.

The customisation of top hats (with, for example, coloured ribbons or bands) is not permitted in the Royal Enclosure

Novelty waistcoats and ties are not permitted. Discreet patterns and those of a patriotic nature (for example, a national flag) are acceptable.

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BOYS

• Boys (aged 10-17) should either dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s Dress Code; or alternatively may wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt and tie. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Fancy dress, novelty and branded or promotional clothing is not permitted on site.

QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE DRESS CODE  

LADIES 

Pictured left: Dress: Simone Rocha £995, Hat: Jane Taylor £1,560, ShuShu Tong bag £450, shoes £875. Pictured right: Emilia Wickstead dress: £1,650, shoes £590, Hat: Edwina Ibbotson £2,045

Pictured left: Dress: Lisa the Label £720, Hat: Emily London £885, Shoes: Roger Vivier £1,150. Pictured right: Oliver Brown suit £327, shirt £85, tie £69, pocket square: Richard Anderson £84, shoes: Christian Louboutin £775

Ladies within the Queen Anne Enclosure are required to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion and are kindly asked to take note of the following:

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
• Strapless and sheer dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted. Midriffs must be covered.
• Trouser suits must be full-length and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above. Shorts are not permitted.

GIRLS 

• Girls aged 17 and under should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested. 
• Hats, headpieces and fascinators may be worn but are not compulsory. 

GENTLEMEN 

Richard James jacket £585, trousers £345, Oliver Brown shirt £85, tie £49, Hawes and Curtis pocket square £29, shoes £149 

Pictured left: Oliver Spencer suit jacket £369, suit trousers £189, shirt: Budd £130, Tie: Oliver Brown £59, pocket square: Richard Anderson £95, shoes: Harry’s £350. Pictured right: Richard James jacket £745, trousers £325, shirt: Budd £130, tie: Oliver Brown £49, pocket square: Richard Anderson £95, shoes: Russel and Bromley £225

Gentlemen’s Dress Code Gentlemen are required to wear a full-length suit with a collared shirt and tie, and kindly asked to take note of the following: Jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern. 

• A tie should be worn at all times. Bow ties and cravats are not permitted.
• Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle. Jeans, chinos and trainers are not permitted. 

BOYS

• Boys aged 10-17 should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and tie. Younger boys nine and under should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie. 

VILLAGE ENCLOSURE 

LADIES

Pictured left: Bora Aksu blouse £429, skirt £385, shoes £595, hat: Juliette Botterill £370, handbag: Roger Vivier £1,050. Pictured right: dress: Temperley £560, hat: Yuan Li Milinery £580, shoes: Jimmy Choo £750 

Pictured left: Shrimps dress £495, bag £475, hat: Bee Smith £250, shoes: Office £40, earrings: Margaux Studios £195. Pictured right: Gant blazer £350, trousers £175, shirt: Hawes and Curtis £55, tie: Oliver Brown £59, shoes: Christian Louboutin £775

Ladies within the Village Enclosure are required to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion and are kindly asked to take note of the following:

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
• Strapless and sheer dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted. Midriffs must be covered.
• Trouser suits must be full-length, and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above. Shorts are not permitted

Please note, the Village Enclosure is a grassed area and ladies should consider their hat size and shoes accordingly. Smaller hats or fascinators and wedges or block heels are recommended in place of large headwear or stilettos.

GIRLS 

• Girls aged 17 and under should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested.
• Hats, headpieces and fascinators may be work but are not compulsory. 

GENTLEMEN 

Gant blazer £350, trousers £175, Hawes and Curtis shirt £55, shoes £149, tie: Oliver Brown £59 

Gentlemen are required to wear a full-length trousers and jacket with a collared shirt and tie, and kindly asked to take note of the following:

• A tie should be worn at all times. Ties, bow ties or cravats can be worn in the Village Enclosure.
• Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle.
• Jeans and trainers are not permitted.

BOYS 

Boys aged 10-17 should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and tie. Younger boys nine and under should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie. 

WINDSOR ENCLOSURE 

LADIES

Dress: LK Bennett £499, hat: Juliette Botterill £430, shoes: Kurt Geiger £99 

Whilst there is no official Dress Code for the Windsor Enclosure, Ladies are encouraged to dress in smart daywear.

It is recommended that ladies wear smart attire with a hat or fascinator.

GENTLEMEN

Ted Baker jacket £279, trousers £150, shirt £95, pocket square: Oliver Brown £35, shoes: Grenson £295

Whilst there is no official Dress Code for the Windsor Enclosure, Gentlemen are encouraged to dress in smart daywear.

It is recommended that Gentlemen wear a jacket, collared shirt and full-length trousers.