It's all about fast horses and fancy hats at Royal Ascot, the world's most famous race meeting, and the most glamorous event in London's sporting calendar. Royal Ascot is Britain's most popular race meeting. It's the place to see and be seen for high society, royal watchers, fun seekers and horse racing enthusiasts alike!

Steeped in tradition, heritage and pageantry, Royal Ascot dates back 300 years and is attended by the Royal Family, including Her Majesty the Queen. Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Royal Ascot features a daily horse-drawn procession from Windsor Castle to Ascot Racecourse led by the royal carriage.

The Royal Meeting, held annually in the third week in June, is steeped in tradition and pageantry and is interwoven into the very fabric of British culture. The five-day meeting commences on a Tuesday and each day begins with the Royal Procession - the arrival of The Queen and the Royal party in horse-drawn landaus, which parade along the track in front of the race- goers. Elizabeth II keeps secret the colour of their headgear, which is another tradition - every year bookmakers taking bets on the color of the cap and the Queen

Royal Ascot is more than just your run of the mill horse race, it is a place to see and be seen, everbody seems to be wearing designer outfits and spectacular hats

Although the eye-catching fashion steals the show at Royal Ascot, this colourful occasion also features top-quality horse racing. Racing highlights of Royal Ascot include the Golden Jubilee Stakes and the Gold Cup. Prize money for the week totals millions of pounds! The Queen has enjoyed considerable success at Royal Ascot, having owned many winners including Estimate, the horse which won the Gold Cup in 2013.

by Glybina Nastya