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Royal Ascot remains one of the standout fixtures in the British social calendar, and it is an occasion I look forward to every year.
Few events can match the atmosphere: the pounding rhythm of horses charging down the course, the swell of the crowd and the celebratory clink of glasses as racegoers gather for one of the season’s most prestigious sporting occasions.
But Ascot is also a major style showcase, providing the ideal opportunity to lean into elegant occasionwear, statement hats and polished race-day dressing.
With the official dress code published weeks ahead of the event, guests have plenty of time to plan their looks carefully. And with royalty often in attendance, there is always the chance of a very high-profile encounter.
One of my favourite parts of the day is making my way to the Parade Ring for the carriage procession, in the hope of seeing members of the Royal Family arrive in traditional Ascot fashion.
This year, that wish came true when I caught sight of the Prince and Princess of Wales travelling behind the King and Queen in the royal procession.
For an occasion that special, I wanted a look that felt equally fitting. Fortunately, I found just the dress at Holland Cooper, a label frequently worn by Princess Kate.
Senior Features Writer Rebekah Absalom attends Royal Ascot 2026
As a lover of lace, I was immediately drawn to the label’s beautiful Iona dress. Crafted from intricate floral lace, the design featured a timeless shirt-style silhouette that skimmed the figure before falling elegantly to the ankle.
The voluminous sleeves added a romantic touch, while the powder pink hue offered a fresh alternative to white and felt perfectly on trend for summer.
Another major selling point? It has pockets.
I completed the look with one of Princess Kate and Zara Tindall’s favourite handbag styles: Aspinal’s Midi Mayfair in a versatile taupe shade, paired with classic Aldo slingbacks.
Having worked with renowned royal milliner Jess Collett on several occasions, she was my first port of call when searching for the perfect hat.
The designer, who famously created the headpiece worn by the Princess of Wales for King Charles’ coronation, understands exactly how to strike the balance between elegance and wearability.
I chose the La Belle boater in rose to complement my dress and finished the ensemble with a Maya Brenner personalised necklace, adding a subtle touch of sparkle.
The delicate piece is also a favourite of Meghan Markle, making it the perfect finishing touch for a royally inspired occasion look – whether you’re dressing for the races, a wedding or a summer party.
One of Rebekah’s favourite moments of the day is heading to the Parade Ring for the carriage procession, hoping to catch a glimpse of members of the Royal Family as they arrive
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Catherine, Princess of Wales
I was fortunate enough to see the Princess of Wales arrive in the carriage procession alongside Prince William on day two of Royal Ascot.
Kate looked radiant in a recycled Roksanda dress, which she previously wore during a royal tour of the Caribbean in 2022, as well as at the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Final later that year.
Known for her commitment to sustainable style, it was fitting to see the Princess rewearing the bespoke design, while also making a strong case for canary yellow as the colour of the season for summer occasions.
The elegant dress was a bespoke version of Roksanda’s Brigitte style, featuring a fitted bodice, full skirt and short sleeves, finished with a dramatic oversized bow at the shoulder.
She completed the look with a new wide-brimmed hat by Jane Taylor, Gianvito Rossi court shoes and an Anya Hindmarch clutch.
Her jewellery carried a special royal connection, with the Princess wearing Queen Elizabeth’s diamond chandelier earrings alongside Princess Diana’s beloved three-strand pearl bracelet.
EXACT MATCH: Roksanda Custom Brigitte Dress
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Zara Tindall
In my view, Zara Tindall set a high style bar on day one of Royal Ascot in a pastel ensemble that perfectly balanced elegance with modern polish.
The daughter of Princess Anne brought effortless glamour to the event in a bespoke Rebecca Vallance dress, which felt both timeless and contemporary.
In keeping with the brand’s signature aesthetic, the vintage-inspired design featured a flattering wrap front, softly structured short sleeves and a midi-length silhouette, all rendered in a refreshing lilac hue that was perfectly suited to the setting.
Styled with the help of longtime collaborator Annie Miall, the look was elevated with considered accessories: Kiki McDonough gemstone earrings added a subtle sparkle, while a blush pink Anya Hindmarch clutch and Emmy London court shoes softened the palette.
A Juliette Millinery boater hat provided the final touch, grounding the ensemble in classic Ascot tradition.
The result was a beautifully refined two-tone pastel moment and a confident reflection of Zara’s signature approach to occasion dressing.
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Harriet Sperling
When you’re a new bride, it’s natural to want to embrace it in every detail, through jewellery, personalised accessories and elegant white dresses.
Harriet Sperling did exactly that on day five of Royal Ascot, looking radiant in a Beulah London Ahana lace dress.
A firm favourite within royal wardrobes, the Ahana style has previously been worn by Princess Kate and Princess Beatrice, cementing its status as a modern classic.
Harriet’s lace iteration is a new-season update for summer, boasting a sweetheart-lined bodice, lace-trimmed cuffs and hem, and an elegant high neckline finished with a subtle keyhole detail.
The result is refined, romantic and perfectly occasion-ready – ideal for weddings, christenings and other milestone celebrations.
She elevated the look with glittering gold Manolo Blahnik x Emilia Wickstead heels, a blush pink Stow London bag and bespoke Jane Taylor Millinery hat.
The ensemble marked a sartorial moment, reflecting her seamless transition into royal life.
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Lady Gabriella Windsor
Lady Gabriella Windsor looked resplendent on day two of Royal Ascot in a powder blue ensemble that offered plenty of inspiration for special occasions.
She chose a bespoke Claire Mischevani coat dress, incorporating a timeless collar, single-breasted front and elegant mid-length skirt.
Crafted to Gabriella’s exact colour specifications, the design combined classic tailoring with feminine sophistication.
The soft pastel hue felt particularly fresh against Ascot’s vibrant backdrop, proving that understated dressing can be just as impactful as bolder statement looks.
Keeping her accessories refined, Gabriella carried Aspinal of London’s coveted Midi Mayfair bag – although her exact colourway is no longer available – and paired it with classic court shoes.
My favourite detail, however, was her choice of Lizzie Fortunato earrings.
Featuring delicate mother-of-pearl flowers and topaz accents, the playful design added a contemporary touch to her classic ensemble.
They’re an investment piece that would instantly elevate any jewellery collection.
Available in various colours
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Duchess of Edinburgh
Renowned for her preference for feminine colours and floral prints, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, stepped outside her comfort zone in a striking monochrome ensemble on day two of Royal Ascot.
It was a look I particularly appreciated – refined, modern and quietly impactful – centred around Suzannah London’s Victoria silk faille shirt dress, paired with a bespoke hat by Jane Taylor Millinery.
The 1950s-inspired fit-and-flare design featured a playful bow at the shoulder, complemented by a side button fastening running through the front bodice and down the skirt, echoing the silhouette of a shirtwaister dress.
Also available in bold fuchsia and orange – both spotted among the crowds – her monochrome choice felt all the more distinctive.
She completed the look with a recycled Sophie Habsburg Lunatic Caviar clutch, Jimmy Choo Rosalia pumps, and her signature Asprey London Woodland Single Oak Leaf bracelet.
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