The most outrageous Royal Ascot hats ever

While the Royal Family members who grace the races at one of the most prestigious social events of the summer sometimes steal the show, Royal Ascot and its strict dress code also sees some show-stopping accessories.
Since hats remain compulsory, British society ladies have celebrated the annual horse-racing event while showcasing their sense of style with some truly wild headpieces. From royal baby-themed fascinators to elaborate, structural chapeaus, click through the gallery for the most outrageous Ascot hats ever...
Photos: © Getty Images

This racing fan stepped out with an appropriate selection of books on her head for Day 3 in 2019!
Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

We love this look, compete with teacups and a teapot pouring floral tea onto this woman's head!
Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

This attendee was horsing around with her headpiece - a colourful painted picture of an equine character complete with feather flourishes!
Photo: © Karwai Tang/WireImage

Racegoer Jackie St Clair was ready to take flight with her bird-themed headpiece, complete with a bird cage and ivy vines.
Photo: © Karwai Tang/WireImage

Isabell Kristensen didn't have to stop to smell the roses at Royal Ascot - she was wearing one!
Photo: © Karwai Tang/WireImage

Somewhere over the rainbow (and the feathers!) Royal Ascot was in full swing.
Photo: © Leon Neal/Getty Images

This attendee brought a taste of the tropics to the races on a sunny day, donning an oversized confection that included philodendron leaves, orchids, birds of paradise and a Toucan to boot!
Photo: © Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

This geometric fascinator looked like a science experiment!
Photo: © Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Racegoer Katrin Fahrenbruck had fellow revellers seeing red thanks to her feathery spiral topper.
Photo: © Leon Neal/Getty Images

Talk about scooping out the competition. This elaborate headpiece made of plastic spoons caught everyone's attention at the races.
Photo: © Getty Images

Staying true to the event’s raison d’être, a pair of equestrian enthusiasts wore chapeaus in the shape of pink horses.
Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

This determined Ascot-goer was not about to let a little weight bear down on her over-the-top fashion parade.
Photo: © Getty

Another fashion-forward guest wanted a hat that would be “out of this world.” Mission accomplished!
Photo: © CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images

Eccentric British TV presenter Anneka Svenska stood out from the Ascot crowd in a sculptural, Dr. Seuss-worthy headpiece. Photo: © Samir Hussein/WireImage

One racegoer was keen to flaunt her British pride with a tea party-inspired hat complete with blackberry tarts and teacups. Photo: © Samir Hussein/WireImage

How grand: This woman’s grand piano-themed hat hit all the right Ascot style notes.
Photo: © Samir Hussein/WireImage

Racegoer Laura Nelson carried the likeness of the Olympic torch on her crown as a tribute to the international games.
Photo: © Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

A fromage fiend wore an oversized hat shaped like blue stilton cheese.
Photo: © Anwar Hussein/WireImage
![Inspired by the UK artist Louise Dear, model <strong>Carla Creegan</strong> wore a lavish piece of art on her head as commissioned by Castle Galleries.
<p>Photo: © Ben Pruchnie/[SOURCE CREDIT For Castle Galleries].](/images/stories/0/2014/06/16/000/146/382/gallery_3_5.jpg)
Inspired by the UK artist Louise Dear, model Carla Creegan wore a lavish piece of art on her head as commissioned by Castle Galleries.
Photo: © Ben Pruchnie/[SOURCE CREDIT For Castle Galleries].

Prince George mania had reached its peak when this royalist wore a royal baby-themed chapeau.
Photo: © CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images

An elaborate, Union Jack-inspired headpiece is not out of place at the Royal Ascot, where British-themed hats of all shapes and sizes are the order of the day.
Photo: © by Chris Jackson/Getty Images

A female racegoer was out to impress in a hat made from peacock feathers at the annual event.
Photo: © Indigo/Getty Images

This creative lady took the racing theme quite literally, donning a miniature sculpture of a race track on her wide-brimmed hat.
Photo: © CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images

This racegoer's flamboyant flamingo fascinator seems rather conservative by comparison.
Photo: © should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/GettyImages