Royal Ascot 2019: A summer spectacle with the royal seal of approval

Britain’s royal family, toffs, top hats and world-class horse racing – there is little more quintessentially British than Royal Ascot.

The summer spectacle, which begins Tuesday in Berkshire, west of London, combines high fashion with the cream of Flat racing.

Soaked in tradition and glamor, the event dates back to 1711 and comes with the royal seal of approval.

Queen Elizabeth II has attended the event for more than seven decades, both as a spectator and a successful horse owner, and has enjoyed 23 winners over the years.

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Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of the British summer's sporting and cultural calendar. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and other leading members of the royal family are regular visitors.

It begins every day with the royal procession in horse-drawn carriages in front of the stands.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attended the opening day of Royal Ascot in Berkshire, west of London in 2018.

Prince Harry and Meghan present a trophy to jockey Frankie Dettori for his winning ride on Without Parole as trainer John Gosden (right) watches on.

The Queen is a big horse racing fan and continues the royal traditions of riding in a horse-drawn carriage up Ascot's Straight Mile to open each day, first introduced by King George IV in 1825.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are regular attendees.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Zara Philllips, daughter of Princess Anne, can also be spotted.

Royal Ascot is a quintessentially British sporting occasion.

Lunch in the car park is a Royal Ascot tradition for many.

Racegoers are obliged to dress up for the occasion, particularly in the Royal Enclosure where top hats and tails for men are compulsory.

Royal Ascot is very much a cathedral of high fashion ...

... and an occasion for dressing up.

Hats are big and bold -- no fascinators are allowed in the Royal Enclosure.

Even the dress code assistants have a special uniform.

Royal Ascot is a byword for pomp, pageantry, glamor and elegance.

The racing is world class with the cream of Europe's equine superstars and top trainers and jockeys.