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Kate's mum enters the royal fold at Ascot?If Kate felt that hosting her own table inside the Royal enclosure at Ascot would cause heads to turn, what on earth was she thinking by allowing her mother to attend? The Daily Mail's resident royalist Richard Kay has spoken to unnamed sources at Ascot, who claim that Momma Middleton has been invited to watch the races from the Royal box this year. Kate elbowed her way into the royal box at Cheltenham in 2006 by phoning one of William's friends and complaining about photographers. She was quickly swept into the protective fold, generating headlines the next morning. In January 2007, the Duke of Devonshire approved a proposal allowing anyone who is willing to pay £1,500 a day, a pass into the Royal Enclosure. People who pay £530 per person would also be able to enter the Queen's domain for a day, assuming they follow a very strict dress code. This money-making scheme created quite the controversy, implying that the royal enclosure should not be open to the 'average Joe'. This year, to enter the royal enclosure without an express invitation from a standing member, an application would have to have been filed with the Royal Enclosure office. The application has to be accompanied by a sponsorship form from an attendee who has visited the Royal Enclosure for four separate years. If Carole Middleton is able to attend- by invitation of the Queen or her own application, she will be required to follow the recently tightened royal enclosure dress code (from the Royal Ascot website): Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and / or mini skirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour. Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat which must be worn at all times when you are in the Royal Enclosure other than within your private box or facility. Note that box balconies, restaurant terraces and gardens will be deemed to be 'within' the facility. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country or Service dress. Those not complying with the dress code will be asked to leave the Royal Enclosure and will be relieved of their Royal Enclosure badge." A Royal Ascot spokesman stressed that the dress guide would not be enforced to the letter, saying: "Royal Ascot traditionally showcases what's hot for the summer, but is also very much a place for formal and smart outfits. We hope that our light-hearted do's and don'ts will make people's outfits catch the eye in all the right ways." Opening day of Ascot was abuzz with rumors that Mrs. Middleton would be in attendance on Ladies Day, which is Thursday of this week. Click here to discuss this story on the Royal Forum. |
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