Get set for five days of top notch Flat racing as we bring you all the latest news from Royal Ascot 2026.
This year’s meeting will take place between Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 June.
Yes, around 300,000 spectators are expected through the gates across the five days, with three of the four enclosures open to the public. Royal Ascot is often a sell out so if you wish to attend you will need to buy Royal Ascot tickets. Those unable to attend will be able to watch Royal Ascot live on TV.
The Berkshire racecourse will welcome some of the world’s leading horses to compete for £10.65 million in prize money in 2026, with all eight Group One races at the meeting now worth a minimum of £700,000, with two races at £1 million. All races at Royal Ascot will be worth £120,000 or more.
Royal Ascot has over 300 years of history and has long been viewed as a major highlight of the British summer social calendar.
The racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, with the first meeting held on 11 August 1711. Her gift to racing in establishing the course is traditionally marked with The Queen Anne Stakes run over the straight mile as the first race of the royal meeting each year.
The first four-day race meeting was held at Ascot in 1768, although the meeting as it is known today only really started to take shape with the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807. Until 1939, Royal Ascot was the only race meeting held at the racecourse.
The best day to attend Royal Ascot is subject to debate. All five days of the meeting include Group One races, with three Group Ones on the first day. The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot, which is also Ladies’ Day.
There are four Royal Ascot enclosures, three of which are open to the public. The Royal Enclosure works on an invitation-only membership, as it was at its inception, when the area was exclusively reserved for guests of the King.
If you’re planning to attend Royal Ascot, then you need to make sure your outfit complies with the Royal Ascot dress code. The rules differ depending on which enclosure you are in. For ladies, there is much to consider when choosing the perfect dress for Royal Ascot, as well as the ideal Royal Ascot hat. The options may be more limited for men, but they should still check out the dress code to ensure their sartorial choices are suitable.
If you’re heading to the races this week (20-24 June), watching from home, or merely just perusing the daily papers, here’s a snapshot of some of the characters you’re likely to come across
You don’t need to have backed The Queen’s horses to get a thrill from seeing her colours surge past the winning post first at Royal Ascot
The state opening of parliament is scheduled for Monday (19 June), but with the likelihood of a delay, Her Majesty could face a tricky clash
Samson, who led the procession at Royal Ascot during his career with the police, will now be reunited with his old stablemate, Caesar, who retired last year
When I realised his full background I just thought how fortunate I am
Badminton Horse Trials and the Cheltenham Festival both had 13,000 more visitors pass through their gates than in 2015
The young Flat racing jockey hit headlines last week as he won at Royal Ascot. Here he describes the emotion and journey involved in getting to this point
Unable to make it to this year's Royal Ascot or just fancy reminiscing over the highlights? We've rounded up 12 of our favourite moments from the prestigious meeting (14-18 June)
H&H spent the day with Thames Valley Police Mounted Section at last week's Royal Ascot to get a taste for their varied duties, from escorting The Queen, to crowd control on Ascot High Street
If you're looking for a country retreat with equestrian facilities on the doorstep of some of the world's best Flat racing, take a look at these properties for sale a stone's throw from Ascot
A trainer more known for his exploits over fences and a former jump jockey both celebrated their debut wins at the famous meeting
Are you enjoying Royal Ascot? With 30 races over five days, the Royal Meeting is providing some thrilling racing for horse lovers
Looking for a hat for Royal Ascot? The British Horse Society is taking the opportunity of the sporting and fashion spectacle to launch a safety campaign
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne has undergone surgery and is not expected to ride again this season
With the big Flat meetings fast approaching, H&H's Cathy Comerford quizzes the luxury hatter Lock & Co’s creative director Ruth Ravenscroft on how to find the perfect hat for summer racing
If you're having Royal Ascot withdrawal symptoms, taking a look at these dream properties near racecourses might do the trick
We round some of the best pictures from this year's Royal Ascot so far — from the big winners, to wacky fashion and the Royal family
A bronze statue of Frankel was unveiled by The Queen on the opening day of Royal Ascot
Which colour has The Queen worn most in the past 15 years? And which is her luckiest? A study reveals all...
44 cameras will capture the action from Royal Ascot this week (16-20 June)
