For many of us, Melbourne’s Spring Carnival is a time to dress up and get tipsy with good friends, maybe even placing a bet or two while you’re at it.

But for the elite few who manage to score an invite to the exclusive Birdcage, the Carnival is all about free champagne, extravagant fashion and shoulder-rubbing with high-profile celebrity guests.

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In the past, guests have included supermodels Kate Upton, Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid, actors Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mischa Barton and Eva Longoria, and singer Solange Knowles.

This year, Emirates – which typically boasts the most high-profile stars – has gone in an unusual direction with their guest of honour.

For Melbourne Cup day the airline’s England-themed marquee will host Lady Kitty Spencer, a British socialite probably most famous for being Princess Diana’s niece.

In a press release, Emirates described the royal relative as “a true model of enviable English heritage”.

“Daughter of Earl Spencer and first wife, former model Victoria Lockwood, Lady Kitty Spencer is also the first cousin to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry,” the release stated.

Lady Spencer was named the “most eligible girl in Britain” by Tatler magazine and spends most of her time mingling with famous friends like Nicki Minaj and the cast of Downton Abbey.

Lady Spencer is also a trustee for the military charity Give us time and Centrepoint and has a degree in psychology, politics and English literature at the University of Cape Town.

The socialite has never visited Australia before and said she was “very excited” for her trip.

But Lady Spencer isn’t the only Brit to grace the Carnival.

Emirates will also host British milliner to the stars Stephen Jones OBE, as well as reality television star Millie Mackintosh, whose great-great grandfather was the inventor of toffee.

As for the rest of the marquees, here’s what the elite guests can expect…

Mumm