ROYAL ASCOT have been forced to relax their strict dress code in a rare move with temperatures set to reach a sizzling 31C on Friday.
As Britain basks in a sun-drenched Friday, the iconic racecourse has taken drastic measures to ensure punters can beat the heat.
A tweet on Thursday confirmed racegoers could removes all hats, ties and jackets – but only under certain conditions.
The dress code relaxation will only come into force AFTER the Royal procession – which starts at 2pm.
Temperatures at the Berkshire course will reach 28C by midday and reach its peak of 31C between 2pm and 5pm.
Following the royal procession, punters will be permitted to strip off their jackets, ties and even their hats.
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On Thursday, the Royal Ascot racecourse announced the surprise update.
In a post on Twitter, they revealed: “Due to forecast high temperatures tomorrow, following the arrival of the Royal procession the dress code will be relaxed in all enclosures.”
Normally at Ascot, men must wear jackets and a tie in the Queen Anne, Village and Royal Enclosure.
Top hats are a necessity in the Royal Enclosure, too.
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Chiefs also recommend at least a smart jacket and tie in the Windsor Enclosure.
Royal Ascot had already eased their own restrictions on Thursday, after allowed racegoers to bring their own soft drinks to tackle the scorching temperatures, as the mercury hit 27C.
The course last relaxed their strict dress code five years ago, in 2017.
That year, temperatures reached their highest in 20 years – when similar measures were put in place.
Even then, male punters were still forced to wear black or grey morning dress AND a top hat.
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But given the outrageous heat on Friday, Royal Ascot officials have gone a step further by removing even those restrictions.
Fortunately for racegoers, the weather on Saturday – the final day of the five-day festival – will be significantly cooler with a comfortable 21C forecast
