WITH Royal Ascot set to be held behind closed doors this month because of the coronavirus outbreak, Ascot and the British Hat Guild have joined forces to launch a campaign designed to inspire racegoers whilst raising funds for four frontline charities.

The millinery and fashion worlds are coming together in support of The National Emergencies Trust Relief Fund, NHS Charities Together, The Care Workers Charity and the Berkshire Community Foundation with the #StyledWithThanks campaign.

Royal Ascot and the British Hat Guild, spearheaded by the legendary Stephen Jones OBE, have invited leading British milliners to create a bespoke hat or headpiece featuring a rainbow theme, in-line with the nation’s use of rainbows to thank the NHS and frontline workers.

The final collection includes designs by industry greats such as Stephen Jones OBE, Jane Taylor, Lock & Co. Hatters, Rachel Trevor Morgan, Lisa Tan, William Chambers and Awon Golding.

Their hats will be auctioned online throughout the week of ‘Royal Ascot At Home’ with all money raised being added to the charity fund.

Ascot will be kick-starting the fundraising with a £100,000 donation.

Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascot Racecourse, said: “During what has been for many milliners an extremely challenging period, we were overwhelmed with the response this initiative received.

“More than 40 talented designers managed to turn around the most astounding collection of hats and headpieces in an extremely short space of time.

“Their craftsmanship and skill in creating these works of art is inspiring and we are extremely grateful to them for donating their time and expertise to create this collection, which I’m sure will raise a significant amount for our charity fund.”

Ascot is also inviting fans from across the globe to dress up as part of the racecourse’s wider ‘Royal Ascot at Home’ campaign and wear a hat - whether it is a ladies’ hat or a men’s top hat, panama, trilby or other racing hat - and sharing it on social media using the campaign hashtags #RoyalAscot and #StyledWithThanks.

Participants are being encouraged to donate £5 to the campaign fundraising page.

Prizes will be given for the most elegant, original and uplifting outfits across the week with a panel of fashion industry judges selecting the winners.

Prizes include Royal Ascot 2021 tickets, lunch for two at Jason Atheron’s Pollen Street Social with a bottle of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage, an afternoon tea and tiara experience for two at the House of Garrard’s flagship boutique in London and a Longines timepiece.

Photos posted using the hashtags will be turned into a giant rainbow mosaic tribute which will become a permanent installation at the racecourse.

Guy Henderson, Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse, added: “In this unique year, our thoughts are with those that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and of course the NHS and key workers who are playing such a heroic role.

“We are marking this year’s Royal Meeting with our #StyledWithThanks initiative so that people can combine the enjoyment of participating in the event from their homes with their own thanks and contribution to the fundraising campaign.”

To be a part of the Royal Ascot #StyledWithThanks campaign and to donate, go online to www.ascot.co.uk/styledwiththanks