It's that time of year again... Britain's most valuable race meeting, a fashion spectacular, a highlight on the social calendar, and a week filled with sightings of the Royal family. We can only be talking about Royal Ascot! To coincide with the opening day of this year's meet, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the Queen and other members of the Royal family for the quintessential racing extravaganza.
The Duchess made a stylish arrival.
It's another royal milestone for Meghan who attended her first Trooping the Colour, spent a day of engagements with Her Majesty, and accompanied Harry to the wedding of Diana's niece Celia McCorquodale all in the past two weeks. The Queen simply adores Royal Ascot, owing to her great love of horses since childhood, and looks forward to it immensely every year. It is said she loves to see as many members of the family as possible in attendance every year. I suspect during Her Majesty's overnight train journey to Chester with Meghan last week, conversation may have turned to Ascot on more than one occasion. It's a wonderful opportunity for the Duchess to experience another royal tradition which will become a regular fixture on her summer schedule.
Harry and Meghan travelled in the royal carriage procession.
They were joined by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
There's a sweet moment in the video below - Sophie gets something in her eye and Meghan quickly puts her hand on her shoulder.
More from Royal Ascot: "The Royal Meeting’s spectacular heritage, unlike any other, has made the event anticipated and revered the world over. From the arrival of the Royal Procession at 2pm sharp to the communal singing around the Bandstand, with six top-class races between, each of the five days is unforgettable."
The carriage list.
The Duchess assisted the Queen's racing advisor, John Warren when his binoculars slipped off his shoulder. John's granddaughter Zalie Warren is Harry's goddaughter, the two-year-old was a bridesmaid at the Royal wedding.
It's always a treat to see photos of the royals together during Ascot.
Meghan and Camilla chatting.
The Queen looked incredibly pleased as she greeted Harry and Meghan.
A lovely shot of the newlyweds.
Royal Ascot is the centrepiece of Ascot's year and dates back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne.
Over 300,000 people make the annual visit to Berkshire during Royal Ascot week, making this Europe’s best-attended race meeting.
Day One of Royal Ascot is widely acknowledged to be amongst the best racing days anywhere in the world with three Group One races; the Queen Anne Stakes, the King’s Stand Stakes and the St James’s Palace Stakes
Below, Her Majesty The Queen watches on as her horse Choirboy wins the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, 17th June 1953.
Indeed, sculptures on the racecourse included none other than The Queen herself.
There are three enclosures attended by guests on Royal Ascot week. The Royal Enclosure is the most prestigious of the three, with visits by the Queen and Royal family members. Access to the Royal Enclosure is restricted, with high security on the day. First-time applicants must apply to the Royal Enclosure Office and gain membership from someone who has attended the enclosure for at least four years.
It offers idyllic gardens leading on to the pre-parade ring and restaurants offering everything from a fine dining experience to seafood.
A new restaurant in the Royal Enclsoure opened it's doors this year - the aptly named Balmoral. The Balmoral evokes the spirit of a convivial Highland summer gathering combining great traditions with elegant informality. Lunch is a celebration of the best of British ingredients including Scottish seafood, Royal Estate beef, locally sourced cheese and an array of delightful treats.
Refreshing beverages.
And of course afternoon tea.
Royal Ascot is synonymous with fantastic style, in fact it's become a major fashion event in its own right.
For ladies in the Royal enclosure, the following dress code applies:
It appears the Duchess had a wonderful time at Royal Ascot!
The Duchess looked stunning in a monochrome ensemble for her Ascot debut. Meghan's bespoke Givenchy white dress features an asymmetric midi hemline. It's another outstanding look from Clare Waight Keller. It would certainly appear we'll see Meghan turning to the talented designer for important royal events.
A closer look at the lace detailing.
Meghan accessorised with a black Givenchy belt and clutch (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).
Meghan's black and white Philip Treacy hat was the perfect choice for the occasion.
The milliner shared confirmation via Instagram.
The Duchess accessorised with the Birks Pétale Large Yellow Gold and Diamond Stud Earrings (with thanks to Meghan Maven and What Meghan Wore).
Several of you noted the look is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. The late actress was Hubert de Givenchy's greatest muse. Over fifty years later, Meghan is championing the same fashion house.
The Duchess made a stylish arrival.
It's another royal milestone for Meghan who attended her first Trooping the Colour, spent a day of engagements with Her Majesty, and accompanied Harry to the wedding of Diana's niece Celia McCorquodale all in the past two weeks. The Queen simply adores Royal Ascot, owing to her great love of horses since childhood, and looks forward to it immensely every year. It is said she loves to see as many members of the family as possible in attendance every year. I suspect during Her Majesty's overnight train journey to Chester with Meghan last week, conversation may have turned to Ascot on more than one occasion. It's a wonderful opportunity for the Duchess to experience another royal tradition which will become a regular fixture on her summer schedule.
Harry and Meghan travelled in the royal carriage procession.
They were joined by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
There's a sweet moment in the video below - Sophie gets something in her eye and Meghan quickly puts her hand on her shoulder.
A warm welcome to the newly-married Duke and Duchess of Sussex at #RoyalAscot... pic.twitter.com/LloJ3Vvsq2— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 19, 2018
Her Majesty arriving with Princess Anne. It's a very exciting time for the family with the delightful news Zara Tindall gave birth to a baby girl yesterday.
More from Royal Ascot: "The Royal Meeting’s spectacular heritage, unlike any other, has made the event anticipated and revered the world over. From the arrival of the Royal Procession at 2pm sharp to the communal singing around the Bandstand, with six top-class races between, each of the five days is unforgettable."
The carriage list.
The Duchess assisted the Queen's racing advisor, John Warren when his binoculars slipped off his shoulder. John's granddaughter Zalie Warren is Harry's goddaughter, the two-year-old was a bridesmaid at the Royal wedding.
It's always a treat to see photos of the royals together during Ascot.
Meghan and Camilla chatting.
The Queen looked incredibly pleased as she greeted Harry and Meghan.
Royal Ascot is the centrepiece of Ascot's year and dates back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne.
Over 300,000 people make the annual visit to Berkshire during Royal Ascot week, making this Europe’s best-attended race meeting.
Day One of Royal Ascot is widely acknowledged to be amongst the best racing days anywhere in the world with three Group One races; the Queen Anne Stakes, the King’s Stand Stakes and the St James’s Palace Stakes
Below, Her Majesty The Queen watches on as her horse Choirboy wins the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, 17th June 1953.
Indeed, sculptures on the racecourse included none other than The Queen herself.
There are three enclosures attended by guests on Royal Ascot week. The Royal Enclosure is the most prestigious of the three, with visits by the Queen and Royal family members. Access to the Royal Enclosure is restricted, with high security on the day. First-time applicants must apply to the Royal Enclosure Office and gain membership from someone who has attended the enclosure for at least four years.
It offers idyllic gardens leading on to the pre-parade ring and restaurants offering everything from a fine dining experience to seafood.
A new restaurant in the Royal Enclsoure opened it's doors this year - the aptly named Balmoral. The Balmoral evokes the spirit of a convivial Highland summer gathering combining great traditions with elegant informality. Lunch is a celebration of the best of British ingredients including Scottish seafood, Royal Estate beef, locally sourced cheese and an array of delightful treats.
Refreshing beverages.
And of course afternoon tea.
Royal Ascot is synonymous with fantastic style, in fact it's become a major fashion event in its own right.
For ladies in the Royal enclosure, the following dress code applies:
- Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer.
- Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.
- Trouser suits and jumpsuits are welcome.
- Headpieces must have a solid base of four inches or more.
The 2018 Ascot style guide notes "Our dress code is traditional, woven into the very fabric of our history. It was Beau Brummell, perhaps Britain’s first fashion icon, who at the turn of the 19th century dictated the dress for men in the Royal Enclosure. His sense of style is still reflected in Royal Ascot fashions today. In 2017, Royal Ascot successfully welcomed the jumpsuit as an acceptable item of clothing for the Royal Enclosure. Ascot continues to recognise key trends in the ever-evolving world of fashion. Additions to the official dress code in 2018 makes socks a requirement for gentlemen and specific necklines detailed as acceptable, or not, across all Enclosures."
Before day one concluded, the Duke and Duchess presented the final winner’s trophy of the day.
The couple congratulated jockey Frankie Detorri who won the St James's Stakes.
Several readers asked if Meghan wore a name tag - it was on her clutch.
A nice video from the trophy presentation.
A reader named Tiara kindly sent me a link to a piece Meghan wrote for her defunct lifestyle website The Tig, where Meghan revealed she has "a love for all things Brit" and wrote about the Kentucky Derby. I thought it fitting to share the quote today.
The couple congratulated jockey Frankie Detorri who won the St James's Stakes.
Several readers asked if Meghan wore a name tag - it was on her clutch.
A nice video from the trophy presentation.
A reader named Tiara kindly sent me a link to a piece Meghan wrote for her defunct lifestyle website The Tig, where Meghan revealed she has "a love for all things Brit" and wrote about the Kentucky Derby. I thought it fitting to share the quote today.
'The Kentucky Derby, a deep rooted tradition I have long wanted to take part in. I see myself wearing a massive hat (ceremoniously so), sipping a mint julep, and tumbling into the Southern revelry of it all; (I do have a soft spot for the pomp and circumstance, if I’m being honest). - Meghan'
It appears the Duchess had a wonderful time at Royal Ascot!
The Duchess looked stunning in a monochrome ensemble for her Ascot debut. Meghan's bespoke Givenchy white dress features an asymmetric midi hemline. It's another outstanding look from Clare Waight Keller. It would certainly appear we'll see Meghan turning to the talented designer for important royal events.
A closer look at the lace detailing.
Meghan accessorised with a black Givenchy belt and clutch (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).
Meghan's black and white Philip Treacy hat was the perfect choice for the occasion.
The milliner shared confirmation via Instagram.
The Duchess accessorised with the Birks Pétale Large Yellow Gold and Diamond Stud Earrings (with thanks to Meghan Maven and What Meghan Wore).
Several of you noted the look is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. The late actress was Hubert de Givenchy's greatest muse. Over fifty years later, Meghan is championing the same fashion house.
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Also today, Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will undertake a two day visit to Dublin on 10 & 11 July. The Palace added: "This visit is at the request of Her Majesty's Government. The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to learning more about Ireland's history and experiencing its rich culture, as well as meeting the people who are shaping the country's future." It will be the couple's first official overseas trip since the Royal wedding. Omid Scobie understands the itinerary will include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse and a meeting with President Michael D Higgins at his official residence Áras an Uachtaráin. We should see more details released within the next week or two.
The couple are expected to visit the Netherlands in late July. French media outlets are also reporting Harry and Meghan will visit France on 8 August for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens, in Amiens Cathedral.