Hats at the ready! Royal Ascot unveils its 2026 millinery collection inspired by legendary high society photographer Cecil Beaton

Ladies Day might be some months away, but Ascot has unveiled something to get excited about in the meantime – the annual Royal Ascot Millinery Collective.

Royal Ascot, which takes place in Windsor Great Park in June, is one of the main fashion events in the high society calendar, and statement hats are always the focal points of racegoers’ looks.

This year’s collective, which celebrates millinery craftsmanship and innovation, is filled with creative and innovative designs certain to inspire racegoers ahead of the event.

The collection, developed under the creative direction of British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher, was unveiled during an intimate London Fashion Week show on Monday, with guests including Romeo Beckham’s girlfriend, Kim Turnbull, and Kelly Osbourne.

Leading milliners, including Stephen Jones OBE, who has designed for Princess Diana and Rihannaas well as being the head milliner of Christian Dior since 1992, contributed to the show.

The designs of Emily Hurst, the recipient of the £10,000 annual bursary, awarded by Ascot Racecourse in partnership with the CHANEL & The King’s Foundation Métiers d’Art Millinery Fellowship, also featured.

The 2026 collection draws inspiration from British photographer Cecil Beaton and the sophisticated glamour of the 1920s and 1930s.

The designs strived to interpret Beaton’s legacy, and included sculptural straw work, architectural pillboxes, dramatic picture discs, veils and couture floral headpieces.

The hats were presented alongside block coloured dresses by Daniel Fletcher, tailored to echo the Enclosure dress codes and the enduring traditions of British sartorial excellence.

Standout designs included a lilac top hat styled with dramatic netting, an elegant green fascinator, and an angled brown hat with an extravagant bow.

Daniel Fletcher, Creative Director for Royal Ascot: ‘It has been a tremendous privilege to guide the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective into its 11th year and collaborate with some of the world’s most exceptional milliners.

‘The presentation celebrated extraordinary craftsmanship while highlighting the ongoing evolution of millinery as a dynamic, contemporary art form.

‘Each designer brings a singular vision and passion to their work, creating a dialogue between tradition and innovation.

‘Set against the vibrant backdrop of London Fashion Week at Claridge’s, the Collective reaffirms Royal Ascot’s role at the forefront of raceday style, inspiring and shaping the future of summer fashion.’

Commenting on seeing her designs make the runway, Emily Hurst, milliner and recipient of The King’s Foundation Royal Ascot bursary, said: ‘To see my hat on the runway at London Fashion Week, amongst some of the nation’s top milliners, artists whom I have long admired, was such a surreal experience and one I will never forget.’

She added: ‘The show was truly incredible. Inspired by Cecil Beaton’s Bright Young Things, each milliners artistry and style shone through. It is a real honour to be a part of something that celebrates the heritage, creativity, and the future of millinery. I really don’t think there’s anything else quite like it.’

Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, will run from June 16 – 20.

Charles and Camilla, both fans of racing, are likely to arrive in the famous carriage procession along the course and past the stands that will welcome hundreds of thousands of punters during the four-day meet.

It’s a tradition that reached its 200th anniversary last year after it was first held in 1825 during the reign of King George IV.

The festival, meanwhile, was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 after she declared Ascot ideal for ‘horses fit for kings’. The event has today become a major social occasion as well as a sporting attraction.