Royal Ascot stands as a quintessential British summer event, a unique gathering that masterfully blends elite flat racing with centuries of royal tradition and unparalleled fashion. The 2026 meeting will continue this legacy, offering five days of spectacular sport and social ceremony. The event takes place at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, Berkshire, England, from Tuesday, June 16 to Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The five-day festival is the pinnacle of the British flat racing calendar, attracting the world’s finest horses, jockeys, and trainers. Each day features high-stakes competition, with a total prize fund reaching millions of pounds. Tuesday is the opening day with three Group 1 races. Wednesday features the valuable Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Thursday, often known as "Ladies’ Day," is the social highlight and the peak of fashion extravagance, with the centerpiece race being the Gold Cup. Friday is a day of high-class sprinters and fillies, featuring the Coronation Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup. Saturday concludes the festival with the £1 million Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Central to the Royal Ascot experience is the strict adherence to protocol and tradition. Every afternoon begins with the Royal Procession, a spectacle where King Charles III and other members of the Royal Family arrive at the course in horse-drawn carriages, a tradition dating back to the 1820s. The Royal Enclosure, the most exclusive area of the course, is the domain of VIP guests and members who adhere to the strictest dress codes and enjoy close proximity to the Royal Box.

 

Perhaps what Royal Ascot is most famous for globally is its strict and elaborate dress code, particularly the hats. The event is a unique opportunity for attendees, especially in the Royal Enclosure, to showcase exquisite formal wear. For women, dresses must meet specific length and strap requirements, and hats or substantial headpieces must be worn at all times, leading to the event becoming synonymous with outlandish and artistic millinery, especially on Ladies' Day. For men, a formal morning suit—grey or black jacket, waistcoat, striped trousers, and a top hat—is mandatory in the Royal Enclosure.

 

Beyond the horses and the hats, Royal Ascot is a major social gathering. Attendees enjoy gourmet dining experiences, from elaborate fine dining restaurants curated by Michelin-starred chefs to the quintessential British tradition of elaborate trackside picnics. The atmosphere transitions throughout the day, starting with formal racing fervor and culminating in communal singing around the bandstand in the evening. In 2026, Royal Ascot promises once again to deliver an unforgettable experience, flawlessly combining the thrill of elite sport with refined elegance and time-honored British tradition.