EXCLUSIVE Inside Royal Ascot: A celebration of British heritage, sport and style, writes REBEKAH ABSALOM
There's nothing quite like the rhythmic thunder of hooves racing down the turf. The charge of horses, glimpsed between top hats and champagne flutes, is nothing short of electrifying.
Indeed, I'm talking about Royal Ascot, which has returned in full splendour for 2025.
After first experiencing the magic of the event last summer, I couldn't resist returning this year - and it proved every bit as dazzling as the last.
Firmly anchored as a jewel of the British summer season, Ascot brings together regal ceremony, daring fashion and world-class racing.
Ascot's connection to the Crown dates back to 1711. Queen Anne was out riding near Windsor when she stopped to inspect a stretch of open land, which she remarked was 'ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch'.
Ascot Racecourse was born that year and the monarchy has remained at its core ever since. The late Queen Elizabeth II, a lifelong equestrian, was its most dedicated patron, attending nearly every year of her reign.
Today, the baton has been passed to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who continue the tradition with the daily Royal Procession - an eagerly awaited moment where the Royal Family arrives in horse-drawn carriages along the track and into the Parade Ring.
Surrounded by fellow racegoers dressed in every imaginable colour, I found myself once again swept up in the excitement.
Cheers rippled through the crowd as King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne passed by in their carriages, followed by Peter Phillips and his partner, Harriet Sperling, radiating elegance in cream tweed ensemble by Suzannah London.
I'm convinced the King smiled at me - perhaps he remembered me from our previous 'meetings' (Ascot last year; Sandringham Flower Show in 2022)? Third time's the charm.
Excitement soared further with the Queen Anne Stakes, the opening race of the day, which delivered both drama and delight.
My husband Tim, attending with no previous racing experience, confidently backed Docklands at 14-1.
Against the odds, the horse edged out favourite Rosallion by a nose in a heart-pounding photo finish, even after jockey Mark Zahra lost his whip in the final strides. Cue wild celebration.
But Royal Ascot is about far more than just racing. There's a sense of theatre at every turn - from the regimental march of the Band of the Coldstream Guards to the curated culinary offerings across the enclosures.
Moët & Chandon has been the official champagne partner since 2019, a fitting match given the brand's link to the sport.
In 1908, two racehorses named Moët and Chandon - owned by the House's London representative, Alfred Simon - caused a stir on the UK racing circuit. More than a century later, the association lives on, with no shortage of bars ready to pour a glass.
Rebekah experienced the Queen Anne Enclosure at Royal Ascot with her husband Tim
For lunch, we had pre-ordered a Fortnum & Mason picnic hamper through the official Ascot website. A variety of options were available, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Packed in a smart branded cool bag, our spread featured a smoked trout and caper starter, coronation chicken main, sides of potato salad and summer slaw, a cheese platter and botanical berry jelly - accompanied by our choice of red or white wine.
We devoured it all from a prime trackside spot in the Queen Anne Enclosure, complete with a private bar and uninterrupted views.
Elsewhere, concession stalls offered everything from mac 'n' cheese and fish and chips to sweet and savoury crêpes. There were also some more upmarket restaurants, specialising in British cuisine, gourmet burgers and afternoon tea.
Ascot's enclosures each offer a distinct experience. Queen Anne, where we were based, is the premium public option, with access to the Grandstand and Parade Ring, as well as singalongs around the Bandstand.
The Village Enclosure, set within the track, offers a relaxed festival atmosphere with a post-racing concert until 9pm. For those after a more casual day out, the Windsor Enclosure welcomes homemade picnics and has no formal dress code.
At the pinnacle sits the Royal Enclosure - invitation-only, of course - originally reserved for the friends of King George IV.
To this day, it remains a symbol of exclusivity and tradition, where royalty mingles with diplomats, aristocrats and notable figures from around the world.
For lunch, Rebekah had pre-ordered a Fortnum & Mason picnic hamper through the official Ascot website. Packed in a smart branded cool bag, the spread featured a smoked trout and caper starter, coronation chicken main, sides of potato salad and summer slaw, a cheese platter and botanical berry jelly - accompanied by our choice of red or white wine
Ascot is, without question, a fashion spectacle like no other. This year's official lookbook, released in April under the artistic direction of British designer Daniel Fletcher, offered a wealth of style inspiration.
It marked Fletcher's second year leading the creative vision, following his historic appointment as Ascot's first-ever creative director in its 300-year history.
I chose the pink Liliana dress from Samantha Cameron's brand Cefinn, accessorised with a red M&S crossbody bag and a comfortable pair of slingback shoes by Steve Madden - a must, as I'm hopeless in heels.
Having recently interviewed renowned milliner Jess Collett - best known for the exquisite headpieces worn by the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte at King Charles' coronation - I was delighted to top off my outfit with her Rita boater hat.
Jess has collaborated with Cefinn on a capsule collection of hats designed to complement the brand's clothing line.
The brilliance of the partnership lies in its simplicity: the styling is already done for you - just select your favourites and you're ready to go.
Tim, on the other hand, took a more relaxed approach. He wore his reliable charcoal grey herringbone suit from Roderick Charles, teamed with a Liberty tie I gave him when we were dating, and classic Loake Oxford shoes.
King Charles and Queen Camilla mingle with diplomats, aristocrats and notable figures in the Parade Ring
The dress code remains a key part of the experience. The Royal Enclosure's rules are famously strict: modest-length dresses, straps of at least one inch and hats - not fascinators - are compulsory.
The Queen Anne Enclosure offers slightly more flexibility, requiring a hat, headpiece or fascinator, and formal daywear.
This year, florals and sculptural headpieces stole the show with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Beatrice and Zara Tindall paving the way.
British labels, such as Suzannah, Beulah, ME+EM and LK Bennett - all royal favourites - were seen in abundance. Men, meanwhile, embraced the opportunity to don morning suits.
Royal Ascot continues to captivate not only because of its royal links, but because it represents something quintessentially British.
It's a week when the country dresses up, slows down and comes together - celebrating heritage through pageantry, sport and style.
And, on occasion, it's where a racing novice picks the winner.
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