The hats, the royals, and of course, the horses…Royal Ascot is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year for both racing and royal fans alike. Like the Kentucky Derby, the crown of the British horse racing season is as much a social occasion as it is a sporting event (and I would argue it’s more the former than the latter for many guests). But whether you’re there for the fashion, the betting, or to bump into the Royal Family—as one of my friends quite literally did with Zara Tindall on the way to the bathroom—it’s an experience that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Events like royal weddings and the coronation have always taken precedence for my work-related trips, so despite having covered the Royal Family for seven years, I’d never had the opportunity to attend Royal Ascot until now. After two days and two very different experiences, I can safely say that I’ve caught the Ascot bug, and I might already be plotting next year’s adventure.
