What a week or more it has been.

The Women’s World Cup is ongoing with wins for England and the USA, although not without controversy! Need I say more being English living in the USA, nail biting matches, superb football to keep us all on the edge of our seats. So proud of most of the teams who have conducted themselves with pride.

Royal Ascot 5 days of Horse Racing in East Berkshire which was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, it has maintained close ties with the Royal Family, indeed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has not missed a Royal Ascot meeting since 1945, located 6 miles south of Windsor and 25 miles from London England.

Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting, attracting many of the world’s finest racehorses to complete for millions of pounds of prize money.

The highlight of each of the 5 days is The Queen arriving in the first of 4 carriages accompanied by various members of The Royal Household and friends. Her arrival always prompts speculation on what she will be wearing along with her carriage companions.

Certainly one of the highlights of the Race Meeting was when  Hayley Turner became only the second female jockey to ride a Royal Ascot winner.

High Stakes whether backing the winning horse or the stunning and fun outfits worn by both the Ladies and Gentlemen who have to adhere to strict dress codes. The Royal Enclosure being the most strict for those attending. The Queen Anne and Village enclosures are not as strict but dress codes still apply, while the Windsor enclosure has no official dress code although ladies are encouraged to dress smartly.

Ladies Day has to be the day to attend Royal Ascot. A chance to really ‘go to town’ on that special outfit sip ‘Champagne’ or that “Signature Cocktail’. Not forgetting the Gentlemen sporting their “Morning Suits” and top hats while studying the Racing Form.

Oh the decadence, flamboyance, sartorial elegance. A milliners dream!

Definitely on my bucket list to visit.

Ref: Photographs: News Media. Hello Magazine, Yahoo, Harpers Bazaar, Getty Images, Reuters, Wikipedia