Every June, the Royal Family arrives at Ascot Racecourse in horse-drawn carriages while Britain’s political, celebrity and aristocratic worlds gather beneath enormous hats and strict dress codes. But Royal Ascot is far more than a horse race.
In this explainer episode, we examine the origins of Royal Ascot, the royal procession, the importance of horse racing to the monarchy, the meaning of the dress codes, the role of King Charles and Queen Camilla, and why Ascot remains one of the most important social and cultural events in Britain.
We also explore the connections between the late Queen Elizabeth the Second and horse racing, the celebrity culture surrounding Ascot, and how the event reflects both the glamour and contradictions of modern British society.
Palace Intrigue is a daily British royal family podcast covering King Charles, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and the House of Windsor. New episodes every day. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.