Queen decree to rein in racy fashion at Ascot enclosure
But Ballybrit and other Irish race courses might be the last safe refuge for racegoers to indulge in some fashion faux pas. That’s if Queen Elizabeth has her way.
Her Majesty has ordered the Duke of Devonshire to write to all badgeholders for the Ascot Royal Enclosure, giving strict instructions that bare flesh is to be banned.
Spaghetti-strapped dresses, bare midriffs, over-visible cleavage and miniskirts will all be censored by the Royal fashion police, meaning, the only bottom on display will be the difficult downhill bend on the race course, known as Swinley Bottom.
The orders from the queen follow an outcry from British traditionalists during last year’s racing season, when newspaper columns were filled with complaints that “chavs” were bringing down the tone of the posh enclosures.
In an effort to inject a bit of class, 80,000 badgeholders will receive a letter telling them that minis are “not considered suitable” and they will not be allowed to enter if they are wearing halter-necks or have dress straps “less than one inch wide”.
Women who have their shoulders exposed will be sold pashminas before they can enter the enclosure.
In what one English newspaper compared to a “sartorial decree from the Taliban”, the duke will also order that women should cover their heads by wearing a “substantial fascinator” — or in layman’s terms, a feather or lace covering.
Men are also getting a fashion warning that they will not be allowed in unless they wear a top hat, morning suit and waistcoat.
