Royal Ascot 2026: the most beautiful hats

Dfrom 16 to 20 June, the Royal Ascot 2026 has reopened the gates of its racecourse in the heart of Windsor Great Park and like every year, the horses came second. The real racethe one that everyone follows with their phone in hand ready to photograph, it’s the one about hats. Five days of eccentric and impeccable fashion and headwear: the most awaited event on the British calendar has once again delivered a parade of textbook looks this year.

The hat is not optional, it is law

In the Royal Enclosure — the most exclusive area, accessible by invitation only — the hat is mandatory and must have a solid base of at least 10 centimetres. No half measures. For men: morning suit, waistcoat, tie and cylinder. One of the few occasions in the world where showing up without a hat is equivalent to showing up without trousers. Royal Ascot was born in 1711 by will of Queen Anne Stuart. 315 years in which the hat has remained the only real non-negotiable rule. Everything else — colors, silhouettes, gender, style — has transformed. This year for the first time there is an official Creative Director, Daniel Fletcherwhich introduced a seasonal color: the Bright Tomato (bright and saturated red).

The milliners of the year: who designs the most beautiful hats

2026 has definitively consecrated Jane Taylor — the same milliner chosen by Kate Middleton for the Garter Day — as one of the event’s three official milliners (hatters), with his specialty in lowered brims, blue headdresses and feathered styles. Philip Treacythe great one Irish master of the hat-sculptureremains the absolute reference for those who want a collector’s item.

Flora Gibbs, the vintage that makes you dream

Flora Gibbs hugged in full the official color of the season with a bold suit red trousers Bright Tomato — precise, decisive, without compromise. But it’s the hat that steals the show: a feathered headdress that adds movement and drama to the entire look.

Leonora Smee, the queen of hats

Leonora Smee she chose a custom designer dress The Modistecombined with a hat Vivien Sheriff — one of the most sought after names in British millinery. The hat is a miniature sculpture: structured, architecturalmeant to be seen from afar. And it shows.

Kelly Osbourne, pure gothic glamour

Kelly Osbourne she matched her black midi dress Karen Millen to a bat-shaped hat with wings spread — pure gothic glamour, worn with the same naturalness with which others wear a straw fascinator. Technically in compliance with the dress code – the base exceeds the required 10 centimeters. Spiritually on another planet.

Geri Halliwell Horner, romantic as always

The ex Spice Girl he chose a hat come on pastel tones in perfect style garden party British — soft texture, raised flowers, sloping brim on face. A headpiece that perfectly balances its romantic and feminine look.

Princess Anne, the horse brooch and the flowered hat

There Royal Princess she paired her elegant swirly patterned coat with a coordinated hat with flowers in the same shades as the dress — a precise and authoritative color choice, complemented by teardrop pearl earrings and from its unfailing gold brooch in the shape of a horse. A former Olympian and great horse lover, she always carries that equestrian detail as her personal signature.

Harriet Sperling, textbook elegance

Harriet Sperling he chose a delicate one ecru colored straw beretfinished with a woven straw bow and a large dramatic flower in soft and fluid fabric. The structured base creates a perfect balance with the oversized floral detail. Romantic, artisanal, built to last over time — and in photographs.

Queen Camilla: Philip Treacy, always

There Queen Camilla he respected his stylistic signature: designer hat Philip Treacy — the great Irish master of millinery, point of reference for the royal family for thirty years. Impeccable structure, studied proportions, guaranteed stage presence.

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