Lizzie Cundy has called for Royal Ascot to rethink its dress code after she was refused entry earlier this week over an outfit officials said broke the event’s strict style rules.
The 58-year-old came under fire on the opening day of Royal Ascot for wearing a bold net-style dress featuring a high slit at the back, with critics claiming the look was too revealing for the occasion.
Cundy, however, insisted the gown was not actually transparent, saying it was fully lined with a nude-colored slip that only created the appearance of a more daring outfit.
Speaking publicly for the first time on Friday’s Good Morning Britain, she offered an apology but also argued that Royal Ascot may need to modernize and bring its fashion rules in line with the times.
Defending her choice of outfit, she said: “Listen, I’m going to say a galloping jockey could see that that dress wasn’t see-through.”
She added: “The dress had like a beigey underlay underneath, and I’ll be honest Kate, I don’t think you’ve seen me with so many clothes on.”
Lizzie Cundy has furiously demanded Royal Ascot changes its rules during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Friday after she was turned away for flouting strict dress code
The 58-year-old was accused of disobeying the strict dress code in a daringly see-through netted ensemble with a racy back slit on day one of Royal Ascot
Agreeing, host Kate Garraway said: ‘Well, it is the most conservative I’ve ever seen you dress, Lizzie.
‘When I heard that you had run into this spot of bother, I thought, “My goodness, I’ve got to see what she’s wearing,” and I was like, “oh that’s fine. What are we talking about?” But it’s not fine for the Royal enclosure.’
Lizzie continued: ‘I didn’t follow the rules, but well, I thought actually I did follow the rules, and I got a bit of a slap on the wrist, and I have said sorry, which I am sorry, but I do believe particularly the races, it is all about the fashion.
‘Especially the women, they go and get their dresses, their hats. It’s supposed to be fun, and you know that’s what I am.’
Demanding the event changes its rules she said: ‘I honestly think we’re taking this too seriously. Look at what’s going on in the world. I mean, I abide by the rules but in fashion I like to reflect my personality.
‘I’m sorry, fashions change, we need to have the Ascot rules reviewed yearly as fashion looks change through the seasons. We need it updated.’
Meanwhile etiquette expert Laura Windsor said: ‘There are specific dress codes and it’s all splattered all over the internet on what to wear and there are certain guidelines that you have to follow and you can still be fashionable.
‘I’m a personal stylist as well, so I understand Lizzie wanting to show her personality through her clothes, but unfortunately it did look a little bit see-through, probably because of that skin colored camisole underneath.’
She said: ‘I’m sorry, fashions change, we need to have the Ascot rules reviewed yearly as fashion looks change through the seasons. We need it updated’
Just hours before arriving, Lizzie took to Instagram to share a racy snap in a white lace bra
Speaking to The Daily Mail after the incident on Tuesday, she said: ‘Yes, I did get a rap on the knuckles but actually the dress was way more conservative than things I’ve worn in the past. It had a polo neck.
‘However, if I have offended anyone then I do apologise.’
Lizzie teamed her cream midi dress with a white Saint Laurent clutch, a large feather fascinator and matching heeled mules.
Sheer or revealing designs are not permitted at the prestigious event and could result in being turned away at the gate.
Just hours before arriving, Lizzie took to Instagram to share a racy snap in a white lace bra.
She captioned the post: ‘Grace isn’t something you wear; it’s something you become… as well as a winner today. Get your hat and let’s go.’
