Zara Tindall was turned away from the gates of Royal Ascot this afternoon after a security guard failed to realise who she was
Zara Tindall found herself turned away at the gates of Royal Ascot this afternoon after a security guard failed to recognise the King’s niece.
Zara had arrived alongside husband Mike and his rugby companions, including Austin Healey and former Wales international Nicky Robinson, with the group chatting cheerfully with acquaintances and well-wishers upon their arrival.
Having attempted to gain entry through the owners’ entrance, Zara was redirected to the ticket office owing to her lack of a pass, and graciously acknowledged the instruction.
The well-intentioned error was swiftly picked up by nearby colleagues, with one rushing over to alert the member of staff that the King’s niece was most certainly entitled to enter.
The couple paused to pose for photographs with waiting press and signed autographs for eager passers-by before making their way into the Royal Enclosure ahead of the opening race.
Zara’s uncle, King Charles, is anticipated to attend Royal Ascot later on Tuesday, having been named as a race trophy presenter, as is her mother, the Princess Royal.
In his foreword to the official race-day programme, the King and Queen extended their wishes to racegoers for a “thrilling” week of racing at Royal Ascot, while championing the celebrated event’s environmental credentials, reports the Express.
Charles and Camilla highlighted how the prestigious racing occasion draws some of the finest horses from around the world, ridden by elite jockeys and watched by vast television audiences.
Well-known for championing environmental causes, the King and Queen drew attention to the installation of 1,200 solar panels on the grandstand’s roof since last June, describing it as “another important step in the racecourse’s sustainability journey”.
The royal couple wrote in the programme: “We wish you a very warm welcome to Royal Ascot, which promises to deliver another spectacular week of racing.
“Some of the best horses from Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia are expected to run this week and they will be watched by viewers in close to 200 countries.”
Royal Ascot in Berkshire is as much a social occasion as a sporting event, with racegoers renowned for their eye-catching hats, elegant summer dresses and top hat and tails, as champagne and pints flow freely alongside the placing of bets.
Charles and Camilla said: “Since last June, over 1,200 solar panels have been installed on the 480-metre-long roof of the grandstand – this marks another important step in the racecourse’s sustainability journey.
“The global bloodstock industry sees the Royal Meeting as a highlight of the year and some horses that succeed in this fiercely competitive week will influence the breed for generations to come.”
Having inherited the late Queen’s stable of racehorses, the royal couple have embraced ownership with great enthusiasm, celebrating their first Royal Ascot victory in 2023 when their thoroughbred Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes.