Top hats and tailcoats may not be the first items youd pack on a summer holiday but if youre looking to rub shoulders with British royalty then you better come prepared. The British Summer season is awash with luxurious events that, come rain or shine, guarantee royal appearances and an A-list crowd paired with plenty of Pimms. Whether sophisticated horticulture, thrilling races or world-renowned championships, here are our favourite royal society events for a glamorous British summer.
Chelsea Flower Show
Kicking off your royal calendar, ever since its first exhibition in 1913 the Chelsea Flower Show has been an annual highlight for sophisticated British society, only skipping a few years during the First and Second world wars. Every May, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is laden with dazzling garden designs and London society and horticulture enthusiasts from across the country flock to coo at the stunning floral displays. The Queen herself is Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society and regularly attends the opening along with other members of the royal family.
Cartier Queens Cup
Fast, thrilling and undeniably British a visit to one of Englands polo tournaments is a must for those looking to experience the best of old British glamour. The Cartier Queens Cup is always a sure bet with the trophy presented by the Queen herself. Join the ranks of celebrities and A-listers as they sip specially crafted Cartier Champagne and soak up the thunder of hooves on the green. Experienced players themselves, both Princes William and Harry are known for their love of the game and you may even catch a royal out on the field.
Royal Ascot
Every morning starts with a Royal Procession as the Queen and her party arrive and parade along the track in horse-drawn carriages at this iconic 5-day meet. Racegoers dressed in their summer best pass the time placing fizz-fuelled bets on the world class horses and jockeys. Expect the British elite to be out in their spades amid a fashionable throng of spectators (especially on Ladies Day when extravagant hats garner just as much attention as the activity on the track).
Wimbledon
From the races to the courts; another landmark sporting event in the royal calendar sealed with the Queens patronage (HRH The Duke of Kent is also president), Wimbledon encapsulates summer in Britain. Pimms flows freely as visitors tuck into strawberries and cream and catch the worlds greatest tennis stars shoot for championship glory on the grass. Youll find the toast of British society relaxing in the Royal Box or Evian Live Young Suite where a gourmet luncheon, Champagne and ping pong tables provide entertainment in case of any rained-off matches.
Royal Henley Regatta
Another quintessentially British sport, rowing events have always attracted a sophisticated crowd and for over 200 years the Henley Regatta has been a society hot spot. Well-heeled spectators decked out in bright blazers and summer finery come to the banks of Henley-on-Thames in their droves to the 5-day event, while the countrys finest oarsman battle it out along the river in up to 90 fast-paced knockout races. A riverside setting makes it a favourite summer event of royalty and visitors alike who make the most of the sun with plenty of Champagne and Pimms cocktails – the British season at its best.
