A Brief History of Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is one of the oldest and most esteemed events in British sporting and social culture. It was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, who identified Ascot Heath in Berkshire as an ideal location for horse racing. The first race, “Her Majesty’s Plate,” took place that year and offered a prize of 100 guineas. Though modest by today’s standards, this race laid the foundation for what would become a grand and enduring tradition. The event quickly became popular with the aristocracy, and royal patronage has remained a defining feature ever since.  King George IV formalised the connection between the monarchy and Ascot by introducing the Royal Enclosure in 1820, a private viewing area reserved for guests personally invited by the sovereign. In 1825, the Royal Procession was introduced, with King George IV arriving in a horse‑drawn carriage, a tradition that continues to mark the beginning of each day at Royal Ascot. The Victorian era further elevated the prestige of the event. With Queen Victoria’s frequent attendance, Royal Ascot became not only a sporting highlight but a key date in the social calendar. The course and facilities were gradually expanded, and the meeting evolved to feature more prestigious races, including the Gold Cup, first run in 1807, which remains one of the most significant fixtures of the week. Fashion has always played a central role in the Ascot experience. In the early 19th century, the tone for men’s fashion was set with immaculate dress, including waistcoats, neckties, and polished boots. This dress code became the...