Royal Ascot

One of Britain's most well-known racecourses, Ascot holds a special week of races in June each year called Royal Ascot, attended by The Queen, who has had an interest in horses since childhood. This week has become Britain's most popular race meeting, welcoming around 300,000 visitors over five days, all dressed up in their finest clothes and hats.

What does The Queen do at Ascot?

Each day of the week begins with the Royal Procession, when The Queen and accompanying Members of the Royal Family arrive along the track in horse-drawn landaus. They then spend the day watching the races from the Royal Enclosure. 

In 2006, The Queen opened the redeveloped Ascot Racecourse by thanking all who had been involved. 

 

Thanks to their hard work, we can look forward to many years of racing in a world class environment

The Queen

 

Why is The Queen involved at Ascot?

Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, and has since received the patronage of a further eleven monarchs. The Ascot summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911. 

The Queen is owner and breeder of many thoroughbred horses and shares her interest in horses with many members of her family. In fact, The Queen's own horses have won races at Royal Ascot a number of times. 

The names of the week's races have a Royal theme, such as 'King George V Stakes', 'Diamond Jubilee Stakes' and 'Windsor Castle Stakes'.

You can find out more about Ascot and how to attend on the Ascot website.