The Sussex Team

Opening day of Royal ascot

Exactly one month after the wedding, Meghan and Harry joined The Queen for the biggest society events of the year in the U.K. The Royal Ascot, which has been a tradition since around 1711, features the world’s best racehorses, plus the fanciest fashions and food money can buy.

They took a carriage ride onto the course after having lunch with the Queen and joined her for the opening day of the iconic horse racing event. Meghan and Harry joined Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex in the carriage.

Credit: WFPA / Alamy Stock Photo

I loved Meghan in white!

Credit: WENN Rights Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo\

The monarch has attended the event every year since its inception. Around 2 p.m. each day, the Queen and the rest of the royals that will be attending enter via a procession in carriages. The carriages travel down the racetrack and into the parade ring. The royals then enter the Royal Enclosure, the most exclusive section of the venue – the access is very restricted. To join you must apply the Royal Enclosure Office and gain membership from someone who has attended the enclosure for at least four years.

Credit: WFPA / Alamy Stock Photo
Credit: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

The Carriage list:

For such an exclusive event there is of course a dress code. HarperBazaar reports:

⦁ As one rule in the dress code states, “Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Jackets and pashminas may be worn.” Jumpsuits and trouser suits for women are allowed.
 
Men must wear traditional morning dress, complete with a black or gray top hat, which cannot be customized or decorated. However, they may remove the hats “within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or a facility’s terrace, balcony or garden” or any enclosed seating area on the premises
 
Everyone has to wear a name tag, even the royals. The parking lot is also exclusive, with a 100-year waiting list, since guests gather there for picnics.

Sweet gesture from Meghan; when the Queen’s racing manager, John Warren, got his binocular strap twisted around his sleeve, Meghan was on hand to help him out.

Credit: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Meghan and Harry presented the winning trophy for the 4.20pm race, the St James’ Palace Stakes for the jockey Frankie Detorri.

We saw Meghan in Givenshy again that day – wearing a custom Givenchy dress made by her friend and creative director Clare Waight Keller.
 
She teamed the look with a now sold-out Givenchy belt

Credit: REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo

A black and white Philip Treacy hat.

Credit: Doug Peters / Alamy Stock Photo

And Birks Pétale Large Yellow Gold and Diamond Stud Earrings

A pair of black leather Balenciaga Knife Pumps

And a black Givenchy Satin Clutch with Jewellery Clasp

2 thoughts on “Opening day of Royal ascot”

  1. Lisa Calabrese

    Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has continuously comported herself on the world stage with grace and poise. The Duchess has represented the RF with such dignity. America’s daughter has made her motherland proud and done so under extremely stressful circumstances. Meghan, we’re all behind you in all you do and wish you Harry, Archie and Lili a blessed full life.

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