IN ROYAL ASCOT WEEK, PRESENTER FRANCESCA CUMANI TALKS FASHION, FAMILY LIFE AND MEMORIES OF THE LATE QUEEN

With the most prestigious event in the racing calendar taking place this week, broadcaster Francesca Cumani has a busy few days ahead reporting from Royal Ascot.

- FRANCESCA SHILLCOCK

Of course, for her TV role she will be donning an array of fabulous fashions and hats - and she's whetting her appetite in this exclusive shoot and interview with HELLO! at the iconic Berkshire racecourse before the event kicks off.

"I like things that are quite waisted, fitted on top with a generous skirt, a good neckline and stronger shoulders," Francesca tells us, adding that she prepares ten outfits for the five days of the event to take account of the unpredictable British weather, and is particular with hat choices so as not to restrict camera angles.

COUNTRY HOUSE STYLE

"Good tailoring is flattering, feminine and elegant. I'm not someone who tends to worry too much about the latest fashions. I think it's much more important to wear something that you really like, that you feel good in." It's a far cry from how she can usually be found when at home in the Yorkshire countryside with her partner and three children, where mucking out stables and tending to the animals forms the backbone of her everyday "practical" style.

"I've got three children, horses, dogs, cats and I love pottering around in the garden. So, it's very much jeans, a white T-shirt and jumper for me," says the 40-year-old, who is mum to Harry, eight, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Australian polo player Rob Archibald, as well as Teddy, two, and six-month-old daughter Nina, with her partner Max Johnson.