Mike Tindall has shed light on the less glamorous aspects of one of the royal family’s most esteemed events: Royal Ascot.
This year’s Royal Ascot, scheduled from June 16 to 20, will feature its traditional Royal Procession each day. This time-honored tradition, originating in 1825, showcases the monarch and the royal entourage parading along the Straight Mile in elegant horse-drawn carriages.
During an appearance on The Luxury Dispatch podcast with host Tom Chamberlin, Tindall, who is married to Princess Anne’s daughter Zara, shared insights into the event that go beyond the typical glitz and fashion.
“If it’s too hot, it becomes quite a challenge,” remarked the 44-year-old former rugby star.
Chamberlin humorously suggested, “A bit of SPF 50 on the top of the head,” prompting Tindall to quip, “Yes, keep the hat on, or you’ll have a waterfall pouring down.”
In their discussion, Tindall also emphasized the importance of the Royal Procession, noting that it is a historical tradition the royal family is keen to preserve.
‘That British history, that is the history that we are trying to continue. The royal procession down the course, it’s still a standalone feature of what happens at Royal Ascot.’
Explaining the course of action, he said: ‘You jump in cars. The fleet of cars that they use is very old, historical, good old-fashioned sort of cars.
‘And they take you sort of to the edge of the Great Park. It’s about a 20-minute carriage ride from start to finish.’
Mike Tindall has revealed the less glamorous side to Royal Ascot in a new podcast episode (pictured at the event last year with his wife, Zara)
Last year, the British royal family turned out in force at the opening of Royal Ascot – and Zara and Mike seemed particularly pleased to see their relatives.
Princess Anne’s daughter and her former England rugby player husband could be seen greeting members of her extended family with friendly kisses when stepping out at the Berkshire racecourse.
In several sweet moments, Zara could be seen affectionately pecking the cheek of her uncle King Charles, 77, as well as her mother, The Princess Royal.
Mike, who was dressed to impress in all his finery, proved to be as equally affectionate as his wife as he shared a warm greeting with his mother-in-law.
Meanwhile, Zara greeted her brother Peter Phillips and his now-fiancée, Harriet Sperling, who were both part of Ascot’s royal procession for the first time last year.
Zara put on a typically stylish display for the prestigious festival in a blue dress with lace and floral detailing by Rebecca Vallance, teamed with blush accessories.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, both fans of racing, travelled past packed stands on the Berkshire course in the traditional carriage procession as tens of thousands of punters geared up for the first race of the five-day event.
The royal procession celebrated its 200th anniversary, a tradition which began during the reign of George IV in 1825 when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington.
The former rugby union player opened up about Royal Ascot on The Luxury Dispatch Podcast with Tom Chamberlin
Charles and Camilla rode in the first carriage with Prince Faisal, a member of the Saudi royal family, and Lady Sarah Keswick, one of the Queen’s official companions.
Behind them, the Princess Royal, Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington followed.
Harriet played the part perfectly in an all-white ensemble, featuring a cropped jacket with puffed sleeves.
Writing in the official programme, the King and Queen said: ‘Having experienced the thrill of victory at Royal Ascot ourselves in 2023, we can only wish all those competing this week the very best of luck and that everyone watching has a most enjoyable five days.’
Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.
Charles and Camilla have taken on her stable of horses and enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when their horse Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes.
