Stumble in the heat as even Royal Ascot relaxes jackets rule
AS ONE of the most highly regarded events on the society calendar, Royal Ascot tradition dictates everything from top hat to hemline.
So it took the exceptional circumstances of yesterday for organisers to relax the strict dress rules for the first time in its 306year history.
As temperatures hit 86F (30C), and with those in the exclusive royal enclosure wilting in the heat, men were told that they could remove their jackets.
Male guests are typically expected to wear black or grey morning dress with a waistcoat and tie, finished off with a black or grey top hat.
A spokesman for Royal Ascot said a decision had been made “not to enforce the jackets rule” in light of the hot weather and that the dress code had never been relaxed before. The relaxation is expected to continue today.
The unprecedented decision was announced after the Queen arrived in the afternoon with senior members of her family including the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.
Earlier in the day, the Countess of Wessex had looked at risk of making a small faux pas when she accidentally fell into the lap of the Duchess.
The Countess appeared to stumble as she got into the carriage she shared with her husband, the Earl of Wessex, and the Duke and Duchess.
Falling forwards, she was caught by the Duchess who helped to steady her before they caught one another’s eye and descended into giggles.
The Countess quickly recovered her composure and turned to the world’s cameras with a self-deprecating smile.
Tens of thousands of racegoers in the stands cheered as the four carriages carrying the royal party drove past. Carole Middleton, the mother of the Duchess, was in attendance, as were Mike and Zara Tindall and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
This year Royal Ascot had visibly heightened security, with armed police patrolling the racecourse and more extensive bag searches. Racegoers were warned to allow extra time for access to the course, but appeared to take it in good humour. The Queen led her family and racegoers in a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and the recent London and Manchester terror attacks. Racecourse management are donating £100,000 to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity fund, London Fire Relief Fund and local charities to help those affected.
The Duke and Duchess later presented the King’s Stand Stakes trophy to Wesley Ward, whose horse Lady Aurelia sprinted home in first place. Up to 300,000 people are due to attend Royal Ascot over the next five days. The Queen has attended every year since she came to the throne in 1952. Today, she will dash from the rescheduled State Opening of Parliament after delivering the Queen’s Speech, to the race meeting. Her address in the House of Lords is due to begin at 11.30am and the first race is at 2.30pm. The State Opening was due to take place on June 19, but was delayed following uncertainty after the outcome of the General Election.