Royal Ascot fans from across the globe continue to don their finest gowns and fancy fascinators as they take part in day two of the race meeting from the comfort of their own homes.
Wednesday at the Berkshire racecourse would usually begin when the gates open to tens of thousands of guests at 10.30am on, as the excitement and anticipation built up around the venue reaches a crescendo ahead of the arrival of the Royal Procession at 2pm.
But the current crisis means the action is taking place from behind close doors for the first time in 100 years – with the jockeys wearing face masks.
However, the unfortunate circumstance hasn’t stopped ‘virtual racegoers’ from flaunting their glamorous ensembles on social media – using the hashtags #StyledWithThanks and #hatsfromhome.
All participants are being encouraged to donate £5 to the campaign fundraising page in a bid to help spread the #StyledWithThanks message in recognition of those working on the frontline of the global Covid-19 crisis.
Stephanie Waxberg looked stunning in a 1950s-inspired Alice dress by Suzannah, which she complemented with a pair of Aspinal of London sunglasses
Phoebe Phillips, who donned a Moss and Spy blue and white dress and hat by Lauder Taylor, penned: ‘Late night, early morning but let’s do it again. @Ascot from home, Day 2’
Leonna Mayor (pictured) took to Twitter to share her stylish white jumpsuit, which she paired with black accessories, and wrote: ‘I’ve donated but will you?’
Taking to Twitter, Rehak Lubomir (pictured left) penned: 1st time in history #RoyalAscot2020 takes place behind closed doors. We made at home a small reminder of better times, missing atmosphere at Royal Enclosure as guests of Her Majesty. Joined #StyledWithThanks campaign and donated to support those affected by #COVID-19′
They are being encouraged by race organisers to donate to four front-line charities – The National Emergencies Trust Relief Fund, NHS Charities Together, The Care Workers Charity and the Berkshire Community Foundation Coronavirus Fund.
The highlight of the seven-race card is the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (race four, 1500), with the top three in the betting all past winners at Royal Ascot.
Last year’s impressive winner of the King Edward VII Stakes, Japan, went on to win two Group 1 contests later in the season and is a warm favourite on his seasonal reappearance.
Photographs at Ascot Racecourse today showed the usually bustling grandstands and hospitality enclosures empty aside from the occasional member of staff, while the roads surrounding the venue were largely deserted.
Lady in red! TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins opted for an all scarlet outfit and donned a Claire Mischevani dress and Laylaleigh millinery headband. Alongside the bright snap, she wrote: ‘Come & join @markheyesstylist & I in just a moment, we’ll be live from 1pm on Instagram talking about Ascot fashion!’
TV presenter and model Rosie Tapner shared her monochrome ensemble on Twitter and revealed she was wearing a Suzannah dress and a Rachel Trevor Morgan hat
Flower power! Sally Harper-Kenn put on a colourful display in a floral dress and matching hat for the virtual event amid the coronavirus lockdown
Alexandra looked pretty as a picture in a stylish yellow ensemble. Taking to Instagram, the ‘virtual racegoer’ told how she bought the dress from Topshop last year, and penned it with a pair of classic Ted Baker heels
Keeley Lengthorn (pictured) shared a series of glamorous shots as she got ready for the first race today
Taking to Twitter, Keeley (pictured, left and right), who brought a ray of sunshine to the otherwise rainy proceedings, penned: ‘Ascot ready. @Ascot Let’s do this!’
Lucy Cleary could be seen posing alongside a big 21 light-up sign alongside her family members – as they prepared for the day of celebrations ahead
Kelly shared this colourful snap to social media alongside the caption: ‘When you cant go to the royal ascot, bring the royal ascot to you! Even got my little NHS rainbow in’
Merlin Coles, three, watches the horse racing from Royal Ascot on TV at his home in Bere Regis, Dorset, whilst sat on his horse Mr Glitter Sparkles with his dog Mistress
The youngster watches the horse racing from Royal Ascot on TV as racing resumed behind closed doors amid the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic
For the first time since becoming a ‘royal week’ in 1911, the five-day festival is not be open to the 300,000 visitors who usually descend on the racecourse.
Among the racing enthusiasts staying at home is the Queen, who has been forced to skip the event for the first time in her 68-year reign.
In a note shared on Tuesday, the monarch praised the ‘valiant’ efforts of organisers and said she is sure it will still be the ‘highlight’ of the racing calendar, despite the ‘different’ circumstances.
On day one of Royal Ascot, which took place yesterday, a host of racing fans stepped up to the plate to celebrate – including, Duchess of Rutland, Louise Roe and Chanelle McCoy.
Amongst the glamorous would-be racegoers who took part was Zara and Mike Tindall, who posed for a photo from their home on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire, where they have been in lockdown with their two children, Mia, six, and Lena, one.
Zara Tindall, 39, was pictured wearing a bespoke hat by Juliette Botterill and dress by Beulah, while Mike, 41, looked dapper in a top hat and morning suit.
Louise C Millinery didn’t let the rainy weather conditions dampen her spirits. Taking to Twitter, she shared this pretty picnic and penned: ‘All set up for day two of Royal Ascot at Home. Gone for an unusual vase Toilet for the flowers bouquet today’
Sarah of @johnboydhats and Georgina could be seen posing for a photo on a wooden bench as they looked effortlessly stylish in their #RoyalAscot millinery auction hats
Yesterday’s racing began with the Buckingham Palace Handicap at 1.15pm followed by the Queen Anne Stakes, which was won by Circus Maximus and Ryan Moore.
Watching from home was the Queen, 94, who praised the ‘valiant’ efforts of those involved in working to make this year’s event a success in a message for the Ascot racecards.
She wrote: ‘I send my best wishes to the thousands of racing professionals and enthusiasts who will join me in celebrating this year’s Royal Ascot.
‘In these challenging times, we are once again delighted to welcome the best horses and jockeys from across the world and pay tribute to those who have helped make this race meeting possible.
‘This year Ascot will feel different for many, as it is so often a chance for friends, families and colleagues to gather together and enjoy a shared passion.
‘I am sure however, that with the valiant efforts of the organisers, owners, trainers and stable staff, it will remain one of Britain’s finest sporting occasions and a highlight of the racing calendar.
‘To everyone attending Royal Ascot, in person or virtually, I hope you have a most enjoyable and unique week of racing.’