Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and the 5 day Royal Ascot horse races haven taken place there every year since.
The Royal Meeting, held annually in the third week in June, always starts on a Tuesday and each day begins with the Royal Procession - the arrival of The Queen and the Royal party in horse-drawn landaus, which parade along the track in front of the race-goers. The Royal Procession dates back to the 1820s and the reign of King George IV, at which time it was referred to as the Royal Parade or Royal Drive.
The British love Royal Ascot because it's an excuse to dress formally- men are required to wear morning dress with a top hat and women must wear formal day wear. This has actually created a trend for over-the-top outfits and hats. Everyone drinks Pimm's or Champagne whilst watching the horses racing and eat strawberries or lobster. This 5-day event is all about luxury, excess and just having some good old-fashioned British fun!
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