Masked numbers
Couldn’t you wait any longer? Were you stamping? Last week, after a blank year, the landmark Royal Ascot horse race, held every June in Berkshire, was finally back. And with her her share of red-skinned Britons, richly dressed, heavily accessorized, their heads wearing hats so improbable that they could appear in the “Top Chef” sugar sculpture test… The mask as a bonus. For even more fun.
Hat work
In the royal box, we obviously found Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, perfectly equipped for this kind of occasion. If the red complexion was there, the clothes, the masks and the accessories too. As for the hats, it was a recital. Camilla wore a cream sisal piece that day fitted with a fascinating swirling ribbon around the crown … Clearly, it is no coincidence that the English refer to these gala hats by the term “Fascinator”.
Head held high
Charles was no slouch when it comes to hatmaking. As is the tradition, and the protocol, it sported a top hat, or top hat. The most seasoned observers will note that the model in question is in beaver, the most mocking will note, them, its modest size.
In fact, in the second half of the XIXe century, the height of top hats was a real social marker. The excesses in the matter were such that one ended up developing retractable top hats so that the most highly-hatched men did not hit the ceiling.
Occasion suit
Since we are at Prince Charles, and his dress, note that his costume is just as remarkable. Cut in a pearl gray summer wool and accompanied by a rare double-breasted cardigan with a shawl collar, this is one of the oldest and most famous in its collection. The work of London tailor Anderson & Sheppard, it dates from 1984 and has over the years experienced many editions of the Royal Ascot. In another genre, Prince Charles also wore it for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
Wink
Finally, note the presence, in the prince’s buttonhole, of a carnation, in all likelihood plucked from the gardens of Highgrove House, the couple’s country residence, in Gloucestershire. Pure coquetry?
It seems that carnations were worn for a long time by young men secretly in love. If the flower wilted quickly, they must have concluded that the love was not reciprocated. Conversely, if she held on, there was hope. Here, it therefore seems that Prince Charles has his chances …