Zara Tindall is the picture of elegance in a veiled hat as she braves the rain at Cheltenham Racecourse with Mike for the first day of the festival
Zara and Mike Tindall looked dapper in formal wear as they arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse for the first day of the festival earlier today.
Princess Anne’s daughter, 42, and her former rugby ace husband, 45, braved the damp conditions as they posed for photographs.
Zara and Mike looked suitably glamorous as they arrived at the event this morning in coordinated outfits.
The mum-of-three swaddled in a £369 blue cape coat from Karen Millen and a matching navy polo shirt. The coat had a thick matching belt that cinched her waist.
The former equestrian – who won a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics – paired her dress with a stylish headpiece – a £365 gray fascinator with a chic decorative feather by Victoria Charles.
Zara and Mike put on an elegant display for the first day of the event in matching navy ensembles
Zara Tindall looked glamorous as she arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse for the first day of the festival today
The royal completed her outfit with a £345 navy croc bag from Fairfax & Favor, $950 (£744) suede over-the-knee boots from Stuart Weitzman and a matching pair of gloves to protect her from the cold.
Meanwhile, Mike looked equally dapper in a navy overcoat, blue suit and navy baker boy hat.
Princess Anne’s newly appointed lady-in-waiting Dolly Maude, 51, arrived at the festival shortly after Zara and Mike.
Dolly, who famously helped deliver Zara’s third child Lucas on a bathroom floor when her birth plan went awry in 2021, looked chic in a bottle green ensemble.
Today is the first of four days at Cheltenham Racecourse, Champion Day. The event witnesses a Jump Racing competition where each contestant strives to get the highest obstacle score.
Tomorrow many visitors will compete for best dressed status at ‘Style Wednesday’, a competition formerly known as Ladies Day.
The prestigious second day of the four-day event is known to attract a host of royals and celebrities as they show off their fashion skills while enjoying a day out at the races in Gloucestershire.
Some excited racegoers even start planning their outfits for the popular occasion six or so months in advance.
Princess Anne’s daughter completed her look with a simple but smart gray fascinator with a decorative branch
TV presenter Natalie Pinkham (pictured left) accompanied Zara to Cheltenham Racecourse today
Princess Anne’s daughter appeared animated as she burst into laughter with close friends at the event
Princess Anne’s newly appointed lady-in-waiting Dolly Maude arrived at the Cheltenham event shortly after Zara and Mike
Mike put his arm around Zara as he braved the rain and posed for photographs in the damp conditions
The mother of three wrapped up warmly in a navy blue coat and a pair of trendy suede knee high boots
The day will include the Slow Fashion Awards, open to both men and women, which ‘celebrate vintage and borrowed items as well as investment pieces’.
Tomorrow’s Style Wednesday has been referred to as ‘fast horses, slow fashion. The style is timeless and the glamor matches the glory,’ at the Jockey Club’s website.
Explaining the Slow Fashion awards, it adds that the event will ‘celebrate vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces that can be passed down through generations.
‘We encourage all racegoers to show off their unique and personal style and share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.
‘The awards are open to both men and women and we can’t wait to see the incredible fashion on display!’
Zara completed her look with a chic gray headpiece, £365, with a black feather by Victoria Charles
The mum-of-three swaddled in a navy wool cape from £369 with a belt at the waist by Karen Millen
Formula 1 pitlane reporter Natalie Pinkham and Zara appeared in high spirits as they joked around with each other
Natalie, described as Prince Harry’s former ‘confidant and drinking buddy’, also attended the festival with Zara last year
The Cheltenham Festival has scrapped its strict dress code in recent times as the Jockey Club has released new guidelines for its racecourses.
The historic community event, which dates back to the early 19th century, unveiled an ‘inclusive’ dress code which organizers hope will make spectators feel ‘safe and comfortable’ for their visit.
Already much more relaxed than its racing peers, Royal Ascot, Cheltenham organizers are hoping to encourage a younger crowd to the community event, where jeans and trainers are no longer looked down upon and “come dressed to feel your best” guidance on space.
The formal dress codes – which often included a jacket and tie – are being dropped in a bid to make horse racing more ‘accessible and inclusive’, the Jockey Club said in a statement.
Zara looked frustrated as she observed the Ultima Handicap Chase with the horse Chianti Classico on day one of the event
Zara and Natalie looked as close as ever, with the Sky Sports presenter looking chic in a check coat and suede boots
Zara looked cheerful as she greeted friends on the first day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival
Zara clung to its stylish £345 navy croc leather bag from Fairfax & Favor and programme
Zara and Natalie struck up a light conversation as they enjoyed the day out in Cheltenham
The royal looked slim in a blue cape coat £369 by Karen Millen and a matching navy polo neck jumper
Elsewhere, crowds began to gather at the Gloucestershire pitch as early as 7am. 8 a.m. today, when revelers in high heels and fur hats tiptoed onto the grounds.
White dresses seemed to be the order of the day, with many guests opting for monochrome tones and noughties-inspired looks, including rara skirts and blazers for the day out.
Others opted for tweed and beige looks, with various female guests, including Jade Holland Cooper, rebelling against traditional dress codes and opting for suits.
A touch of flair was added by two male guests who opted for brightly colored suits.
One hit the races in a fuschia two-piece and matching tie, while another paired black boots with a cerulean blue suit complete with a map of the world printed on it.