Fashion Friday: The history of Royal Ascot style
Learn about the origins of the famous race meet
Royal Ascot is like no other and for me, it's one of the highlights of the royal family's summer calendar.
It's an opportunity for the royals, socialites and well-heeled guests to show off their style and showcase hats made by the finest milliners.
When the racing meet was inaugurated by Queen Anne as "Her Majesty's Plate" in 1711, there was no dress code as such.
But in the early 19th century, Beau Brummell, who was a close friend of the Prince Regent (the future King George IV), decreed that "men of elegance should wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons".
This set the tone for the dress code that is still adhered to by men in the Royal Enclosure, with modern day requirements asking gentlemen to wear morning dress with a waistcoat and necktie, and a top hat.
Today, ladies in the Royal Enclosure are required to wear a dress or skirt falling just above the knee or longer with a hat or a headpiece that must have a minimum base of four inches.
But how have fashions evolved throughout Royal Ascot's history?