Royal Ascot fans have donned their best hat and dress from the comfort of their own home today as the race meeting commenced for the first time behind closed doors.
For the first time since becoming a ‘royal week’ in 1911 in Berkshire, the five-day 2020 festival – which takes place from today until June 20 on the Ascot Racecourse marked by its first race after being founded in 1711 by Queen Anne – will not be open to visitors.
But virtual attendees are invited to wear their favourite hat – whether it is millinery or a top hat – and share their ensembles online with the hashtag #StyledWithThanks #RoyalAscot.
Zara Tindall, 39, was pictured wearing a bespoke hat by Juliette Botterill and dress by Beulah, as she posed for the virtual event with her husband Mike, 41.
The former English rugby player and the Queen’s granddaughter have spent lockdown on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire, with their two children, Mia, six, and Lena, one.
And Her Majesty, 94, has written a message, as she does each year, for the Ascot racecards as she watches from Windsor Castle, Berkshire.
Zara and Mike Tindall were seen dressed up for the occasion at their home to celebrate Royal Ascot
She said: ‘I send my best wishes to the thousands of racing professionals and enthusiasts who will join me in celebrating this year’s Royal Ascot.
‘In these challenging times, we are once again delighted to welcome the best horses and jockeys from across the world and pay tribute to those who have helped make this race meeting possible.
‘This year Ascot will feel different for many, as it is so often a chance for friends, families and colleagues to gather together and enjoy a shared passion.
‘I am sure however, that with the valiant efforts of the organisers, owners, trainers and stable staff, it will remain one of Britain’s finest sporting occasions and a highlight of the racing calendar.
A stylish Royal Ascot fan was pictured wearing a Camilla Rose hat for the occasion (left). One woman was pictured wearing a floral red dress and rainbow fascinator
Georgia Toffolo announced on her Instagram stories today that she was joining in the virtual event
‘To everyone attending Royal Ascot, in person or virtually, I hope you have a most enjoyable and unique week of racing.’
Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo, 25, was pictured on her Instagram story today revealing how Ascot is one of her ‘favourite events of the year’.
Toff, as she is affectionately known, was seen wearing a teal-coloured lace dress with a black pillbox hat adorned with lilac bow.
Good Morning Britain and ITV Racing presenter Charlotte Hawkins posted a picture of her outfit for the virtual race meeting.
Wearing a lilac, blue, pink and yellow ensemble she wrote: ‘So sad not to be at Royal Ascot this week, it’s first time ever it’s been held behind closed doors.’
Good Morning Britain presenter and ITV Racing presenter Charlotte Hawkins was pictured in pastel today for the virtual Royal Ascot event
Speaking from home, Toff said: ‘The day has finally arrived – Royal Ascot is upon us. I am just so excited and of course I will be glued to the sofa watching all day.’
Other famous faces have already participated including Francesca Cumani, Laura Wright, Rosie Tapner and Lady Forsyth.
All participants are being encouraged to donate £5 to the campaign fundraising page, share their outfit photo and tell their friends to do the same, helping to spread the #StyledWithThanks message in recognition of those working on the frontline of the global Covid-19 crisis.
A Royal Ascot fan from Melbourne, Australia, was pictured in a green floral dresses with matching accessories
A fan from Australia dresses up in a pink and orange ensemble to celebrate the day (left). A milliner wears one of her latest pieces titled ‘Our lives in Their Hands’ for the virtual event (right)
Prizes will be given for the most Elegant, Original and Uplifting outfits across the week with a panel of expert industry judges, including Stephen Jones and Caroline Rush of the British Fashion Council, selecting the winners.
Additionally, photos posted using the campaign hashtags will be turned into a giant rainbow mosaic image tribute which will become a permanent installation at Ascot Racecourse.
Ascot is launching the charity appeal with a £100,000 donation to be split between four frontline charities: The National Emergencies Trust Relief Fund, NHS Charities Together, The Care Workers Charity and the Berkshire Community Foundation Coronavirus Fund.
Henry Birtles has written a Royal Ascot at Home poem which has been recorded by some familiar faces including AP McCoy, Frankie Dettori, Liz Hurley, Peter Phillips plus everyday people and supports the #StyledWithThanks message.
The virtual event comes after Royal Ascot updated its style guide to allow navy morning suits to be permitted in the Royal Enclosure along with ‘playful’ ties allowed.