Queen’s dresser reveals why decoy hats are made for the monarch during Ascot

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Elizabeth II's colourful choice of headwear

Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot, June 2015 (Getty Images)

The Queen's dresser has revealed why decoy hats are made for Queen Elizabeth II during Royal Ascot.

British fashion designer Angela Kelly has served as personal assistant and senior dresser to the Queen since 2002.

In an excerpt from her soon-to-be-released book, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe, Ms Kelly details the measures that are taken to stop royal insiders from cheating when betting on what colour hat the Queen will wear to Royal Ascot.

Bookmaker William Hill states that betting on the colour of the Queen’s hat at the horse races has become a “tradition”, with millions of pounds wagered on predictions across the country every year.

Ms Kelly explains that on every morning of the event, which is held for five days every summer, four or five hats that the Queen has previously worn are placed on a table in the workroom at Windsor Castle.

“They are different colours and styles and are on display for a reason,” the fashion designer says.

“Anyone who happens to pass the room will see those hats. They are not hidden behind a closed door and no secret is made of them.”

Ms Kelly explains that it is “unfair” when members of staff who know what colour hat the Queen is going to wear to the racecourse bet large sums of money.

“This will stop anyone catching sight of the hat Her Majesty actually intends to wear and, with inside knowledge, betting a vast amount of money on the correct colour of the Queen’s hat for opening day at Royal Ascot. This is cheating and unfair on everyone else.”

Ms Kelly adds that the decoy system was put into place one year when bookmakers became suspicious by a bet that had been placed for £2,000, which was promptly stopped in its tracks.

“I was horrified when I learned about the incident from the paper the next morning,” the dresser says.

“When Ascot Week had finished, I had a meeting with the owner of Paddy Power at which we agreed that betting on the colour of the Queen’s hat would be closed at a certain time to avoid any cheating, but allowed people to carry on guessing the colour of the Queen’s hat and perhaps even win a bit of money.”

Over the years, the Queen’s colourful ensembles have become globally recognisable.

To take a look at 38 of the monarch’s most colourful fashion moments, click here.