What can conjure up images of My Fair Lady better than Opening Day at Royal Ascot? Just seeing all the ladies in their fabulous hats calls to mind the lovely Audrey Hepburn decked out in the iconic Cecil Beaton black and white ensemble shouting out, “Come on, Dover! Come on, Dover! Move your bloomin’ arse!”

Not likely we’ll hear that sort of outburst at Royal Ascot 2014…at least not in the Royal Enclosure or anywhere near Her Majesty The Queen who attends Royal Ascot each year.

Royal Ascot June 17th – 21st Cover girl Pippa Middleton looking the height of Ascot fashion!

Few sporting venues can match the rich heritage and history of Ascot Racecourse.  Over the past 300 years, Ascot has established itself as a national institution; with Royal Ascot becoming the centerpiece of the British social calendar and the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world…as well as the the ultimate Royal-watcher’s sightseeing event!

Queen Elizabeth II, center, with Prince Philip, right, Prince Andrew, second right and Prince Harry, arrive by carriage, on the first day of the Royal Ascot. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Dapper Prince Harry attends his first Royal Ascot

Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall arrives in their carriage.

An impressive sight indeed! Imagine being in the crowd as the royal party are driven down the racecourse! Crowds of cheering, gaily dressed racegoers on day one at Royal Ascot!

The crowds get a royal treat as the Royal Family passes by.

The Queen has two horses competing this year. Estimate, the 2013 Gold Cup winner, will be returning for a much hoped for repeat…and Musical Comedy competed in the Jersey Stakes on Day 2.

The Queen hopes to repeat last year’s Gold Cup win!

Besides the horse racing, I love to ‘people watch’ and catch glimpses of the most amazing and outlandish hats that ever graced a racing event. Here are just a few from Day 1:

Periwinkle blue feathers grace the head of this race-goer.

An explosion of fiery reds and orange/gold hues.

The most fun part of Royal Ascot…the fabulous hats!

Which are YOUR favorites? Keep an eye out on this blog for more updates from Royal Ascot 2014!
Lady Anglophile…off to the Royal Enclosure with Pimms in hand!