Lizzie Cundy has sparked widespread debate after she was turned away from Royal Ascot for wearing a daring cream dress. The 58-year-old former WAG arrived at the prestigious event on Tuesday in a cream midi-dress featuring several cut-outs, paired with white heels, a large fascinator, and a YSL clutch bag.
Lizzie Cundy's Royal Ascot Dress Code Incident
Although Cundy insisted the outfit "wasn't see-through," organisers gave her a "slap on the wrist" for violating the strict dress code guidelines. An insider revealed she was left humiliated by the faux pas, despite reportedly "often flouting the dress code."
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: "Lizzie was mortified. She arrived today to have her photos taken with all of the other celebrity guests and it was made very clear she wasn't welcome. Nobody can say Lizzie doesn't know how to make an entrance and ensure all eyes are on her, but last year she raised eyebrows with a see-through netted dress. The organisers were not impressed."
Initially, Cundy apologised, telling the Daily Mail: "I did get a rap on the knuckles but actually the dress was way more conservative than things I've worn in the past. It had a polo neck. However, if I have offended anyone then I do apologise."
However, she later backtracked during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, insisting her dress did "follow the rules." She told hosts Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh: "A galloping jockey could see that that dress wasn't see-through. The dress had a beige underlay underneath, and I'll be honest Kate, I don't think you've seen me with so many clothes on."
Garraway disagreed, saying: "Well, it is the most conservative I've ever seen you dress, Lizzie. But it's not fine for the Royal enclosure, Lizzie. You didn't follow the rules!"
Cundy responded: "I thought, actually, I did follow the rules, and I got a bit of a slap on the wrist. I have said sorry, which I am sorry, but I do believe - particularly the races - it is all about the fashion, it isn't really about the racing. Especially the women, they go and get their dresses, their hats. It's supposed to be fun, and that's what I am. I honestly think we're taking this too... Look at what's going on in the world. I abide by the rules, but in fashion, I like to reflect my personality."
She called for an update to the rules, stating: "Fashions change, we need to have the Ascot rules reviewed yearly, as fashion looks change through the seasons. We need it updated. It's always the women being criticised, it's always the women being ridiculed, and it's never the men."
Royal Ascot Dress Code Rules
Royal Ascot has an extremely strict dress code, especially for the prestigious Royal Enclosure. Women must wear dresses or skirts that fall just above the knee or longer, with shoulder straps over an inch wide. Hats are mandatory. Trouser suits are allowed but must be in matching colours and fabrics. Men must wear a black or grey top hat with full morning dress, including a waistcoat and tie.
Other celebrities spotted at the event this week include Kate Middleton, Holly Willoughby, Maura Higgins, and Charlotte Hawkins. Georgia Toffolo also attended day four in a floral dress made from "cloth of gold," paired with a gold hat, red heels, and a beaded red bag.
