Britain: Ascot | European Journal

Royal Ascot marks its 300th anniversary this June. These days, the famous event is more closely associated with showstopping hats than serious horseracing.Royal Ascot was held for the first time 300 years ago. The 5-day event is widely seen as one of the most exclusive horseraces in the world, with the racecourse closely associated with the British Royal Family - it's near Windsor Castle and owned by the Crown Estate. Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of British aristocracy's social calendar. The dress code is strict: gentlemen must wear morning dress with top hat and ladies must also wear hats, while rules apply to the length of the dress. Bare midriffs and shoulders are very definitely not acceptable.