When you think about Royal Ascot, there are three C’s that come to mind – classy, clean and chic.
But for anyone who’s been following the coveted fashion-forward racing event in recent years, there’s another word we can’t ignore: Controversial.
And before you ask, the said embroiled controversy hidden within the seemingly glamorous event has nothing to do with politics.
Nope, this contestable feat is all to do with what’s on the outside – plain and visible for all to see, as opposed to anything brewing beneath the surface.
In case it’s not already been subjected to your eyeballs, we are of course talking about hats – and all the questionable shapes and forms they come in as they descend on the greens of Ascot racecourse each year.
Indeed, each year, royal fans revel in the stunning dresses donned by Britain’s elite as they take to the racecourse for five days of fun, frivolity and plenty of fashion.
But throughout it all, there’s one rather niggly irk that keeps a cast iron grip on all the fairy-tale-like elements of the prestigious affair – that headgear.
Despite the formal dress code (and even a no-facinator rule) which is heralded loud and clear each year, for some reason there never seems to be a shortage of, er, unbecoming hats.
The rule is clear – if a headpiece is worn, it must have a solid base of 10cm or more in diameter – nothing less is acceptable.
But enacting this rule does give rise to interpretation – and some of our favourite rules have really taken advantage of that.
From our infamous queens of headgear Beatrice and Eugenie, to the likes of Zara Tindall, we’ve seen some seriously whack hats take centre stage at Ascot over the years.
Now, as 2019’s glamorous event rolls around, we decided to take a look back at the best of them – taken with a rather hefty grain of salt of course.
Prepare your eyeballs, you’re about to be subjected to a three-course extravaganza of hat-happenings that’ll be tough to forget.
WATCH: A guest loses her hat at Princess Eugenie’s windy royal wedding. Gallery begins after video…
Let’s start with one of our top, er, picks if you will. Princess Eugenie’s polka-dot creation worn in 2009 left us a little confused: The silhouette, the random bunch of florals and the strange wirey things sticking out into infinity? Bemusing to say the least.
Nine years later, the Princess appeared to redeem herself somewhat by wearing another black and white floral creation – certainly an improvement!
As for her sister Beatrice? Let’s just say our favourite doe-eyed royal has had a plethora of hat moments that we won’t forget in a hurry. This zesty orange structure she wore in 2014 has us scratching our heads…
While she might be yelling with glee, the golden satellite-like item perched atop Beatrice’s head in 2013 gave us quite the opposite feeling. The ribbon-like material looks like something we should be sticking proudly to a badly wrapped birthday present…
Zara Tindall is also one to test fashion boundaries – we can’t help but applaud the royal here for bravery – pairing lemony yellow with bright blue and a bold floral print like she did in 2016 is not something we’d be thinking of trying out in public, let alone in the privacy of our home…
But oh it get’s better. This fetching frangipani practically screams 2003 – and indeed it was 2003. And yes she did wear this dress as well. Oh my.
Speaking of being brave, Eugenie’s zesty green number worn in 2009 commanded our attention, but not necessarily for the right reasons.
That being said, if our local traffic light stops working we definitely have a great alternative.
In 2019, Beatrice looked fabulous on day one of the festivities… that was until she turned her head and we saw a cheeky detail she’d added to her otherwise beautifully coordinating outfit.
She is the queen of outrageous hats after all. Beatrice’s spiky feathered number in 2017 proved her penchant for quirky hats was alive and well.
Fergie also hasn’t been shy of donning a bold hat at the racing event. We’re pretty sure this wide-brimmed straw headpiece would have given her plenty of space as she weaved through crowds with Diana.
And here to remind us that the royal collection of wild hats won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, we’ll leave you with this leopard-print number worn by Zara in 2003. Yes it happened, no, it doesn’t seem like she regretted it.
At least it’s providing some sun protection?
