(CNN) Britain's royal family, toffs, top hats and world-class horse racing -- there is little more quintessentially British than Royal Ascot .

The summer spectacle, which begins Tuesday in Berkshire, west of London, combines high fashion with the cream of Flat racing.

Soaked in tradition and glamor, the event dates back to 1711 and comes with the royal seal of approval.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II presents Frankie Dettori with his prize after he rode Stradivarius to win Ascot Gold Cup on day three of the royal meeting in 2018.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II presents Frankie Dettori with his prize after he rode Stradivarius to win Ascot Gold Cup on day three of the royal meeting in 2018.

Royal Ascot features five top-level Group 1 races over its five days with the highlight being the Ascot Gold Cup. Jockey Frankie Dettori won on Stradivarius for trainer John Gosden in 2018.

Royal Ascot features five top-level Group 1 races over its five days with the highlight being the Ascot Gold Cup. Jockey Frankie Dettori won on Stradivarius for trainer John Gosden in 2018.

The racing is world class with the cream of Europe's equine superstars and top trainers and jockeys.

The racing is world class with the cream of Europe's equine superstars and top trainers and jockeys.

Hats are big and bold -- no fascinators are allowed in the Royal Enclosure.

Hats are big and bold -- no fascinators are allowed in the Royal Enclosure.

... and an occasion for dressing up.

... and an occasion for dressing up.

Royal Ascot is very much a cathedral of high fashion ...

Royal Ascot is very much a cathedral of high fashion ...

Racegoers are obliged to dress up for the occasion, particularly in the Royal Enclosure where top hats and tails for men are compulsory.

Racegoers are obliged to dress up for the occasion, particularly in the Royal Enclosure where top hats and tails for men are compulsory.

Lunch in the car park is a Royal Ascot tradition for many.

Lunch in the car park is a Royal Ascot tradition for many.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Zara Philllips, daughter of Princess Anne, can also be spotted.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Zara Philllips, daughter of Princess Anne, can also be spotted.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are regular attendees.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are regular attendees.

The Queen is a big horse racing fan and continues the royal traditions of riding in a horse-drawn carriage up Ascot's Straight Mile to open each day, first introduced by King George IV in 1825.

The Queen is a big horse racing fan and continues the royal traditions of riding in a horse-drawn carriage up Ascot's Straight Mile to open each day, first introduced by King George IV in 1825.

Prince Harry and Meghan present a trophy to jockey Frankie Dettori for his winning ride on Without Parole as trainer John Gosden (right) watches on.

Prince Harry and Meghan present a trophy to jockey Frankie Dettori for his winning ride on Without Parole as trainer John Gosden (right) watches on.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attended the opening day of Royal Ascot in Berkshire, west of London in 2018.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attended the opening day of Royal Ascot in Berkshire, west of London in 2018.

It begins every day with the royal procession in horse-drawn carriages in front of the stands.

It begins every day with the royal procession in horse-drawn carriages in front of the stands.

Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of the British summer's sporting and cultural calendar. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and other leading members of the royal family are regular visitors.

Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of the British summer's sporting and cultural calendar. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and other leading members of the royal family are regular visitors.

Royal approval

Her Majesty arrives each day in a horse-drawn carriage with other members of the royal family, a practice dating back to 1825. The royal procession conveys the monarch from nearby Windsor Castle, past the packed grandstands, to the Royal Enclosure.

Meghan , the Duchess of Sussex, made her first appearance at Ascot last year joining Prince Harry and the Queen for the first day of the race meeting.

"It's not an official occasion for her [the Queen] but she comes because she loves horse racing so much. It makes you very proud to be British," said Aly Vance, host of CNN's Winning Post

Ascot Racecourse itself is one of the world's most beautiful venues to watch the sport of kings.

It features two tracks -- flat and jumps -- on a greensward about six miles from Windsor Castle.

In fact, it's technically still the property of the British royal family, however Parliament passed a special act in 1813 to ensure that the course remains public.

Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages The fashions at Royal Ascot have changed tremendously since the race was founded in 1711. Look through the gallery to see looks from the ages. (This photo of spectators en route to the races is from 1993.) Hide Caption 1 of 9 Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages Spectators wear formal attire in 1913. Hide Caption 2 of 9 Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages A 1922 Royal Ascot attendee gets caught in the rain wearing a relaxed silhouette and pearls -- to fashion hallmarks from the decade. Hide Caption 3 of 9 Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages This woman wearing a black trouser suit to the 1936 Royal Ascot races was truly ahead of her time: Trouser suits weren't officially recognized as Ascot-appropriate until the 1970s. Hide Caption 4 of 9 Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages Actress Rita Hayworth (with third husband Prince Aly Khan, himself a racehorse owner) brought Hollywood glamour to Ascot in 1950. Hide Caption 5 of 9 Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) and other royal racegoers (including Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret) in 1950. Hide Caption 6 of 9 Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages Lady Diana Spencer, soon to be Diana, Princess of Wales, has a relaxed moment along after the races at Ascot in 1981. Hide Caption 7 of 9 Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages Princess Diana attends Ascot with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, in 1990. Hide Caption 8 of 9 Photos: Royal Ascot fashion throughout the ages Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends Royal Ascot in 2016. Hide Caption 9 of 9

High fashion

Paying homage to tradition, visitors are expected to adhere to the strictest of dress codes

Men's fashion has remained relatively unchanged for centuries, with those in the Royal Enclosure asked to wear black or grey morning dress and top hats.

Women must wear a dress or skirt that comes below the knee, with straps of at least one inch in width. Jump suits or trousers are now allowed and hats or headpieces with a solid bases of four inches must be worn.

However, within the rules and regulations, there is plenty of room to be adventurous and the choice of head wear is always a hot topic of conversation.

Women are encouraged to save their best outfits for Ladies' Day, a long-lasting tradition which has become a highlight of the social calendar.

"It's not more important than the horse racing but fashion is a huge element of Royal Ascot," added Vance.

"It's a very different fashion, very elegant. Having a traditional dress code but where you can be a little adventurous. You seem some amazing outfits over the week."

Queen Elizabeth II arrives with the Royal Procession during Royal Ascot last year.

Not only is Royal Ascot a jewel in the racing calendar, it's also one of the important events in the British summer social scene, along with the Henley Royal Regatta and Wimbledon.

"It's as much a social occasion as it is a sporting occasion," said Vance.

"There are a huge number of people there who probably don't go to any other race meeting but will go to Royal Ascot because it's a place to be seen at."

Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Meydan Racecourse, Dubai – Boasting the world's first five-star trackside hotel, restaurants and a museum, Dubai's Meydan Racecourse is a first-class racing destination. Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses St. Moritz, Switzerland – St. Moritz is known for world-class skiing, glitz, glamor and...horse racing? The venue for the White Turf event, held three days a year, isn't your typical racecourse. Instead, it's held on a frozen lake. Hide Caption 2 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Flemington Racecourse, Australia – Flemington is Australia's oldest metropolitan racecourse and home to the famous Melbourne Cup. The revamped venue was first used in 1840 when the town of Melbourne was just five years old. Hide Caption 3 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Piazza del Campo, Italy – Simply put, there is no racecourse in the world quite like the Piazza del Campo in Italy. Its origins date back to medieval times when jockeys rode buffalo. The piazza is packed with spectators with racing around the outside. Hide Caption 4 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Happy Valley, Hong Kong – Happy Valley Racecourse was built in 1845 to provide horse racing for expat Britons living in Hong Kong. It's surrounded by giant apartments and skyscrapers -- giving visitors an unusually beautiful scenic view. Hide Caption 5 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Ascot, England – Just the name "Ascot" conjures visions of royalty, elegance, high fashion and world-class racing. The racecourse was opened in 1711 by Queen Anne, and Royal Ascot is still one of the most celebrated meetings on the calendar. Hide Caption 6 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Chantilly, France – Spectacular and timeless, historic Chantilly sits in front of the 16th-century Chateau de Chantilly and the majestic Great Stables (pictured) amid forests 30 miles north of Paris. Hide Caption 7 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Laytown Races, Ireland – Laytown Races is the only official beach race in Europe. Situated on the Irish coast, the 150-year-old tradition attracts more than 5000 regular visitors every year. Horses race along the sands on a makeshift course. Hide Caption 8 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Goodwood Racecourse, England – The rolling Sussex countryside unfolds in front of one of the most iconic venues in flat racing. Goodwood has hosted racing since 1802 and offers the perfect setting for the famous Glorious Goodwood meeting. Hide Caption 9 of 10 Photos: 10 of the most picturesque racecourses Cheltenham Racecourse, England – Cheltenham is a shrine to jump racing against the idyllic backdrop of the Cotswold hills. It hosts the prestigious Cheltenham Festival every March, the highlight of the world's jump racing calendar. Hide Caption 10 of 10

Richest race

Amidst the pomp and ceremony, the stellar racing action is the centerpiece of the week.

Photos: The Racing Post's Edward Whitaker shares his favorite images Photos: The Racing Post's Edward Whitaker shares his favorite images Supermoon – Multi award-winning snapper Edward Whitaker earned horse racing's photograph of the year award with this stunning image of a rare blue supermoon in Lambourn, Berkshire in January 2018. "I knew a spot where the angle was just right," he says. Here he talks CNN Sport through seven of his favorite images. Hide Caption 1 of 7 Photos: The Racing Post's Edward Whitaker shares his favorite images French fancy – Whitaker's image of French horse Arazi pulling off a stunning last-to-first victory in the 1991 Breeder's Cup at Churchill Downs made his name. "He went through the field like it was 'National Velvet' or some ridiculous film like that. I got this image of jockey Pat Valenzuela screaming his head off against the spires of Churchill Downs. My lot were blown away, it was a big breakthrough." Hide Caption 2 of 7 Photos: The Racing Post's Edward Whitaker shares his favorite images Shower time – Another picture that has defined his career is this shot of the great stallion Danehill being hosed down at Coolmore Stud in Ireland in 2003. "I just love the whole effect, how the water is reacting over the horse. He turns his neck so it was almost like a massage to him, and you can see how much he's enjoying it. I had to shoot it on a slow shutter speed and there's a real sense of movement in the water, and the light is just lovely."

Hide Caption 3 of 7 Photos: The Racing Post's Edward Whitaker shares his favorite images Kaleidoscopic – This color-filled image of Churchill Downs is another Whitaker favorite. "I knew there was this fire exit up to a door that opened onto the roof so I went up there and caught this great dawn. There was a cold front coming in, so I knew there would be some very dramatic reds and yellows in the sky. And now they light up the iconic spires with purple light, so the colors are unbelievable. It's so American and over the top." Hide Caption 4 of 7 Photos: The Racing Post's Edward Whitaker shares his favorite images Chantilly face – Horses break from the stalls in front of the Great Stables at Chantilly, France in 2016. "I love this shot because of the light and the horse rearing at the start. It's just a dramatic picture. That one horse going up gives it great strength." Hide Caption 5 of 7 Photos: The Racing Post's Edward Whitaker shares his favorite images Lucky horseshoe – Whitaker's luck was in with this picture from Cheltenham last January when he discovered the flying horseshoe. It was part of his portfolio that won an eighth photographer of the year award. "It was a remote picture from under the fence shooting into a clear blue sky. It was a nice picture anyway but the fact the shoe fell off and pointed upright was just unique. I'd never seen anything like it. That's why photography is so exciting." Hide Caption 6 of 7 Photos: The Racing Post's Edward Whitaker shares his favorite images Scared stiff – Whitaker conquered his fears and rode up in the TV crane to capture this image of the city of Chester and the racecourse. "This is the scariest picture I've ever taken. You go up on this wobbly plank with a safety harness clipped to a metal frame. I was absolutely terrified but the view was amazing, the light was just right and I got this great scene of Chester with the action on the racecourse." Hide Caption 7 of 7

There are six races a day for the five days of the meeting with eight Grade One contests. In all, runners and riders are competing for a share of the $8.85m (£7 million) prize purse.

Wednesday's Prince of Wales' Stakes is the richest race, with the winner claiming just shy of $1 million (£750,000).

"It features a horse called Sea Of Class, who finished second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last year," Vance said, identifying the race as the highlight of the week.

Sea of Class, making her first start since finishing runner-up to Enable in the Arc, will take on another talented four-year-old filly in Magical, as well as the impressive Crystal Ocean and Waldgeist in the eight-runner field.

Queen Elizabeth II presents Frankie Dettori with the Ascot Gold Cup in 2018.

The Gold Cup

Thursday's Gold Cup, a marathon of more than two miles, is Ascot's oldest surviving race.

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The Queen will present the victorious jockey and owner with their trophies.

Last year's winner was Stradivarius, ridden by veteran Italian jockey Frankie Dettori for champion trainer John Gosden , who will have a strong hand again this year.

Gosden said Stradivarius was in fine form ahead of his defence, but there will be stiff competition from Godolphin's Cross Counter and the Mark Johnston-trained Dee Ex Bee.

"If you win any race at Royal Ascot you've got be very happy," said Gosden

The 48-year-old Dettori, who has won 60 races at Royal Ascot in 31 appearances, told the event's social media channels : "It's the reason we get up early in the morning, to try to get some winners at Royal Ascot. Usually on the first day my hair stands up like Don King. It's an amazing atmosphere and you never lose that buzz."

A number of runners are also traveling in from abroad in the hope of winning one of the prestigious contests.

Horses from New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and the US are expected to line up, adding an international flavor to the week.

"All connections just adore that meeting," said the 10-time champion trainer Michael Stoute. "For professionals it's a very big thing."