British Royalty meets racing excellence at The Melbourne Cup Carnival

The British-born duo, nieces of the late Princess Diana, are renowned international models and will bring their global fashion influence to Flemington for Cup Week.

Known for their impeccable style, the Spencer twins embody the international flair that is synonymous with the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia lived almost exclusively in Cape Town, South Africa, growing up, before relocating to London in 2021. While both pursue successful modelling careers, they also support numerous animal welfare and children’s charities and are committed to helping local communities in their adopted home of South Africa.  

The sisters will be on course at Flemington for Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 7 November and Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9 November. Drawing on their sartorial expertise, they will act as judges for the final rounds of the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field competition across both race days.

Ahead of their visit, Lady Eliza Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer shared their excitement about attending Australia’s most prestigious racing event.

"We’re thrilled to be attending the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the first time to witness the elegance and excitement first-hand,” said Lady Eliza. “It’s an honour to act as ambassadors for such an important international event that’s so widely known for its inimitable spirit and style.”

Lady Amelia continued: “Racewear delivers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and we’re looking forward to seeing this come to life at Flemington. It will be wonderful to share the spirit of this world-renowned celebration of racing as judges for the famous Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field competition.”

VRC CEO Steve Rosich expressed his delight at welcoming the Spencer sisters to Australia and the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the very first time. 

"We are honoured to have Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia join us as ambassadors for the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival. Their presence in the global fashion world, along with their well-documented sense of style, resonate perfectly with the glamorous atmosphere at Flemington across Cup Week. With their involvement, we look forward to elevating the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field competition to new heights, setting a truly international standard for this storied competition,” said Rosich. 

Breaking new ground, this year's competition is set to grow exponentially as it welcomes racewear enthusiasts from right around the world for the first time. An online hub facilitates entries from style-setters globally in the major Best Dressed and Best Suited categories and the creative led, Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award.  This enhancement is indicative of the strong connection between the VRC and the international racing and fashion communities. Digital entries to the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field are now open and close on Wednesday 27 September. 

Racegoers who attend Flemington across the first three days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival can enter the Best Dressed and Best Suited competition in person at a dedicated on-course registration site, with overall winners to be announced live in the afternoon of Kennedy Oaks Day, Thursday 9 November.

Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field entrants have the chance to share in a total prize pool of more than $300,000.

The 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 4 November followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 7 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 11 November.

More information on this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field Competition.