Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Make Their Royal Ascot Debut

Well, this is an interesting development.

Though her mother went in 2011 as a guest of the Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge has never attended Royal Ascot, though to be one of the most significant days in the British calendar.

According to royal reporter Katie Nicholl, William and Catherine will attend this year’s race as a sort of birthday favor to Her Majesty.

“They know how much Ascot means to the Queen and they will be there for one day this week,” a source told Nicholl.

“They will enjoy an afternoon in the royal box with Her Majesty.”

The only race Catherine has attended publicly was the Epsom Derby in 2011.

Since then, she’s only come to William’s polo matches, a much more casual affair.

Fascinators have been banned from the Royal Enclosure since 2012, which is a shame given that Catherine made the delicate head piece famous.

Miniskirts, spaghetti straps less than one inch, strapless, halter and off-the-shoulder dresses were also banned, per the organization’s updated dress code.

The base of a lady’s hat must cover “a sufficient area of the head” (4 inches, for example).

So while, Catherine may not break out a wide brim like the John Boyd number she wore on Commonwealth Observance Day, it must cover more than her more delicate head flair.

“The dress code at Ascot is very popular – the clarifications and to an extent changes – are a reaction to what our customers have told us they want – differentiation between Royal Ascot and other race meetings,” a spokesperson for Ascot said at the time.

Quite honestly, if you’re fortunate enough to be invited in the Royal Enclosure, you know better than to show up in something a Real Housewife would wear.

Last year, Fergie somehow got in, but likely stayed away from Prince Philip, who is NOT a fan.

Royal Ascot 2016 takes place from June 14th-June 18th.