The prestigious Royal Ascot is back, with the glamorous event set to be attended by invitees of the Queen.
Whether the Queen herself is set to attend is currently unclear. A difficult and demanding Platinum Jubilee meant that Her Majesty rested for much of the weekend, and she has been suffering with " episodic mobility problems " for some time, on top of other health scares.
Royal Ascot is reported to be one of her favourite events of the year, so she may be keen to attend
Within the bright green grass and twisting metal of the racecourse's buildings is the famous Royal Enclosure, only open to the Queen's guests and others who have been specifically chosen to attend.
So how did you get access to this most exclusive of enclosures, where you can mix it with some of the UK and world's rich and famous.
How do you get invited to the Royal Enclosure at Ascot?
To get access to the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, you need to be a member.
You cannot apply for membership as it is invitation-only, unless you are sponsored by two eligible members. A £100 joining fee applies to those who wish to sign up.
Access will give you the chance to see the spreading grass lawns, and sample the posh afternoon tea and expensive dining. Prices of dining in the Royal Enclosure start at an eye-watering £1,499 all the way up to £2,299.
The club used to be specifically for guests of the monarch, Royal Ascot explained: "The origins of the Royal Enclosure can be traced back to 1807 when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the Household of King George III to view the first running of the Gold Cup."
The Gold Cup is the racecourse's most prestigious event and by far the best-known, considered one of the top races in British horse racing.
Access to the enclosure changed later, Ascot said: "The Royal Enclosure as we know it today was established in the mid-nineteenth century when the Emperor of Russia, Nicholas I, visited Ascot for the first time as a guest of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert."
The area in front of the stand became the "most exclusive part of the racecourse" as a result.
What is the dress code for the Royal Enclosure at Ascot?
As you might expect, the dress code for the Royal Enclosure is very formal and people must attend in their finery.
Women's dresses and skirts must be of a modest length, falling just above the knee or even longer.
Strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses are not allowed in the Royal Enclosure, while dresses or tops should have straps of 'one inch or greater'.
Women are allowed to wear jackets and pashminas, but anything worm underneath should still follow the dress code.
Trouser and pant suits are welcome as long as they are of a matching colour.
The key addition for women is a hat, which 'should be worn' unless replaced with a headpiece at least four inches (10cm) in diameter. Fascinators are not allowed unless worn by girls aged 10-17.
Men must wear a waistcoat and tie as part of a morning suit that is black, navy or grey, along with a top hat of the same colour.
Hats can only be removed within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or a facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. Socks over the ankle must also be worn.
