Royal Ascot relaxes strict dress code for first time as temperatures soar
As people up and down the country are basking in the rare heatwave, racegoers heading to Royal Ascot this year are getting dressing upped to the nines for the annual event
The fifth and final day of the annual horse racing event just happens to coincide with the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures coming in at 30C on Friday in Berkshire.
Royal Ascot has relaxed its strict dress code for men for the first time in the event’s history as temperatures are set to soar to 31C across the UK.
Men will be allowed to remove their ties for the first time in the event's history as the dress code was relaxed ahead of the hottest day of the year so far.
The strict formal dress code usually requires male attendees to wear morning suits, specifically including top hats, waistcoats and ties.
How formal the suit usually depends on which enclosure the attendee is visiting on the day, but dress codes for all areas usually include a tie for male attire.
Read more: Royal Ascot 2022 dress code more daring than ever with mini skirts and cuban shirts
However in the current heatwave, organisers were worried about racegoers in the heat, and as a result, the Royal Ascot tradition is being broken for the first time in its history.
“Race goers will be expected to arrive compliant but can remove jackets and ties as the day goes on due to the high temperatures,” a Royal Ascot spokesman said.
“There is precedent for dress code not being enforced for hot weather and one year, visitors were advised to wear boots if they were using the Royal Enclosure Gardens when they were waterlogged.
“It's rare to relax the dress code but common sense has to apply in extremes of temperature or weather conditions, for everyone's safety and comfort.”
Another exception to the rule for today is spectators will be allowed to bring in their own water and soft drinks, as the stifling temperatures may make for uncomfortable viewing.
Watch: Impressive headwear on display at Royal Ascot Ladies' Day
