The Lady What Lunches: G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S

Ascot is a famous English racecourse closely associated with the British royal family since it is only six miles from Windsor, the Queen's ancestral home. The racecourse is owned by the Crown Estate (the Crown is a corporation owned by all British citizens but the assets are for use by the royal family).

The racecourse stages twenty-five days of racing throughout the year. Five race days in June are called Royal Ascot. Founded in 1711, Royal Ascot is attended each day by Queen Elizabeth and members of the royal family. It is the social and fashion event of the summer season, with everyone (mainly females) trying to outdo each other with their outfits and headgear.

Non-royals can watch the festivities from one of three areas:

The Royal Enclosure is the most prestigious and difficult to gain access to, as the royal family is watching from this area. Women must wear day dresses and hats / fascinators with additional rules about dress length and no showing of shoulders. Men wear top hats and tux with tails.

The Grandstand area is less formal - the same dress code as Royal Enclosure is encouraged for women but not compulsory. Men generally wear suits.

Grandstand enclosure

The riff-raff watches the action from the distant Silver Ring area. No dress code here, but far away from the other two areas.

I went to opening day with several of my girlfriends. We watched the festivities from the Grandstand area. It was a gloriously sunny day with incredible people watching opportunities. I have never felt so glamorous!