Royal Ascot changes dress code for first time ever as heatwave hits

The annual event usually has a strict dress code for attendees

Carrie Johnson, wife of Britain’s PM Boris Johnson, beams at Royal Ascot in a sleeveless midi-dress (AFP via Getty Images)

Royal Ascot has altered its dress code for the first time ever to help attendees cope with the heat.

The UK is experiencing a heatwave this week, with the Met Office predicting that temperatures could reach up to 34C in some parts of England on Friday.

Temperatures at Ascot are expected to hit 31C, but will feel hotter. This has led organisers to changing its dress code, and says that racegoers in all enclosures will be allowed to remove jackets and ties.

A spokeswoman for Royal Ascot said: “This is all to do with the consideration of safety and guests are able to bring in soft drinks and water to stay hydrated and comfortable in this lovely weather.”

This year’s Royal Ascot could come close to the hottest on record, forecasters have said, as sweltering temperatures hit the UK.

(Getty Images for Ascot Racecours)

It had already reached 28C (82F) in Heathrow before midday on Friday, and could reach 34C (93F) in the afternoon for parts of the South East, near to where the annual horse racing meet takes place in Berkshire.

As the mercury soared, heat-health alerts were issued for parts of England, and Network Rail warned services could be disrupted by the warm weather.

Stephen Dixon, spokesman for the Met Office, said: “One thing we are keeping an eye on is Royal Ascot.

“The highest maximum temperature we’ve had on a day is 32.8 degrees, which is taken from a nearby station in Reading near Royal Ascot.”

This temperature was recorded on June 21 2017.

He added: “It’s looking like it could be around 31 degrees in Reading today, but I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of it perhaps rising into 32, and then obviously getting closer to that record, but it’s something that might be quite close to being the hottest Royal Ascot on record.”

Predicted high temperatures have meant men in all enclosures at Ascot were allowed to remove their jackets and ties once the traditional royal carriage procession had ended.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a Level 3 heat-health alert for London, the East of England and the South East in order to protect health services.