Royal Ascot

I heard there were actually some horse races going on, but let's be honest - the Royal Ascot is all about the hats.

British hats are already quite an awkward dress code for an American, but add in the Ascot tradition of the ladies trying to one-up each other with the largest / brightest / fluffiest / most bizarre hat in the building and you got yourself one heck of a "do".

Per the official website, rules governing the entry to the Royal Enclosure are quite tight (FYI fascinator = headband with a lot of very large feathers attached to it):

Royal Enclosure Dress Code

Her Majesty’s Representative wishes to point out that only formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable. Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and miniskirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour. Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat. A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s terrace, balcony or garden.

So, nearly our entire gang - 18 in total - decided attending Ascot was a very British thing to do and should be part of our adventure living here in England.  We all stressed for weeks over our hats / dresses / shoes (heels and flats) / bags (tuxes with top hats for the boys) and ended up quite spectacular.

I got real lucky and found my dress while touring through the Cotswalds while Mom and John were here, and then found a hat that matched quite nicely - also with gaudy enough feathers to make an official statement.

The day started off quite early, as we awoke to fancy ourselves up in time to catch a train out to the town of Ascot.  One would envision more of a proper chariot to transport the princess, but I tell ya - this train felt more like we were headed to an upscale Nascar event.  Packed, and I mean standing room only, get to know your neighbor real well packed.

Stood in these ALL day.

The weather had been threatening us all day with rain, and as soon as we got there the sky opened up.  Fortunately, we secured a nice table under an enclosure with chairs and a view of the track!  The remainder of the day the weather remained quite nice, though chilly.  We got real lucky!

The queen made an appearance, riding around in her carriage to start the races.  Speaking of luck, we even had a couple of winners in the group.  No betting for me (that stuff is complex and believe it or not I am risk-adverse).

After the races were over the crowd gathered around the bandstand to sing ... wait for it .... American show tunes!  What?  Well, they did sing God Save the Queen (which by the way do you know we turned that tune into My Country tis of Thee?)  Anyway .. there was at least lots of flag waving.

Great, memorable day.

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