It’s arguably the most recognisable horse racing event in the world, having been established for more than 300 years and counts royalty and A-listers amongst its fans.
But now, Ascot has upset some of its loyal followers by introducing an annual fee for members of its Royal Enclosure, the area once exclusively reserved for the family, guests and the Household of King George III.
These days, the enclosure remains invitation-only, with successful applicants needing to be aged 18+ and to be sponsored by two eligible members before paying the £150 joining fee.
The memberships entitle racegoers to apply for Royal Enclosure badges for Royal Ascot (thought to cost £395 for attendance at three of the five days, for example, and sold on a first-come, first-served basis). Members are invited to bring up to two guests on each day excluding Tuesday.
However, on top of the cost of joining, as well as the badges, the ‘£475’ car parking and the food and drink when at the prestigious occasion, Ascot has announced the introduction of annual fees for their members.
A £25 ‘extra charge’ will be applied from 2027 – to be paid whether the members are planning to attend Royal Ascot that year or not, if they wish to keep their coveted membership.
The Berkshire racecourse will also limit the number of new member applications accepted for the Royal Enclosure each year and have a waiting list for those not immediately accepted.
‘The prices have already gone up and now they do this just to stay on the list! It’s crazy’, said a member.
Queen Camilla and King Charles attend day three of Royal Ascot on June 19, 2025
Another member, posting to Reddit, wrote: ‘Royal Ascot introducing a £25 “membership fee” after everything we already pay?’
The anonymous racegoer continued: ‘I was shocked to receive an email this morning informing me that Royal Ascot will be introducing a £25 annual “Royal Enclosure membership” fee from 2027.
‘On its own, £25 might not sound like much but it’s the principle when you look at what regular racegoers are already paying.
‘This year alone, I’ve paid £395 for a three-day Royal Enclosure badge, £5 for postage, and £475 for car parking. That’s £875 before even stepping onto the racecourse!
‘And that’s just the start. Once you’re there, you’re also buying food and drink at a huge markup, and placing bets at the track all of which also financially benefit the racecourse.
‘So after all of that, introducing an extra “membership fee” just feels like a total slap in the face to loyal fans who go year after year and support the event.’
They added: ‘Royal Ascot trades heavily on tradition, prestige and loyalty but this just comes across as a needless and frankly embarrassing cash grab.
‘Am I overreacting, or does this feel like they’re pushing it a bit too far?’ asked the member, with one person replying: ‘Paying £875 before walking in is ludicrous! Wow.’
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Queen Maxima, Prince William and the Princess of Wales at Royal Ascot in June 2019
Revealing why the racecourse is introducing the fee on its website, Ascot said: ‘Ascot Racecourse Ltd are introducing a £25 annual Royal Enclosure membership fee to ensure the long-term sustainability and standards of the Royal Enclosure.
‘The annual fee reflects a move to a sustainable model that supports continuous investment and operational improvements for members.
‘Set at a deliberately modest level, it is designed to be proportionate while helping to safeguard the prestige and quality of the Royal Enclosure for the future.’
The website read: ‘Payment of the annual fee is required each year in order to maintain your Royal Enclosure Membership, regardless of whether you plan to attend Royal Ascot or not.
‘If you choose not to pay your Membership fee, your Membership will expire, and you will no longer be a Royal Enclosure Member.
‘Please note, continual membership is required in order to retain a record of your years of attendance.
‘If you cease to maintain a valid and continuous Membership, you will lose your recorded years of attendance and privileges such as sponsorship of new members, which is linked to years of attendance.’
Ascot said the Royal Enclosure membership fee will be reviewed annually and set at an appropriate level.
Fees for the 2027 Royal Meeting will payable during the renewal period from September to October, with a deadline of Friday 30th October 2026.
Around 300,000 people are set to attend the prestigious event this year, some of them royalty and world-famous celebrities.
The Royal Enclosure’s members can enjoy beautiful green lawns, champagne, seafood or afternoon tea and they have access to the Sunflower Lawn, Parade Ring and Pre-Parade ring.
For anyone esteemed enough to attend, there is a specific dress code in place for both ladies and gentlemen.
