Mike and Zara Tindall love visiting Scotland in the summer as much as the rest of the Royal Family but the retired rugby star has been trying to organise a big trip further afield too. During an event earlier this year celebrating his brand Blackeye Gin, he revealed he's got his heart set on a family cruise holiday.

"We've been trying to plan this for ages and we're trying to get dates that we can go do it," Mike explained to The Mirror, before confirming he "would definitely" consider bringing his and Zara's three children Mia, Lena and Lucas on the trip too.

Although he acknowledged "cruising gets bracketed into an older generation", 47-year-old Mike thinks that reputation "has massively changed at the moment".

Sadly, we don't know which cruise destination he's got his eye on for the Tindalls' holiday. But since Blackeye Gin has been introduced across MSC cruises, perhaps he'd be keen to board one of their ships.

The company operates itineraries within Europe as well as to the Caribbean and the Americas, so there's plenty of choice for well-travelled couple Mike and Zara. Hopefully they'll find some dates soon! Even if it doesn't happen this summer after all the rugby star's efforts, there's so many other holidays they can book.

Plus, they'll also probably be planning to go back to one of their favourite places next January. Mike and Zara Tindall first met in Australia during the 2003 World Cup and they regularly go back at the start of the year for the Magic Millions Carnival.

A trip to sunny Down Under is a wonderful way to beat the winter blues and Zara's described it as feeling like home.

"We have always loved Australia and it is like a home from home for us," she said in the past. "We have been coming to Queensland for so long now it has become a tradition."

Zara told Hello!, "[We love] coming out of the cold winter and into the warm heat, and the incredible water temperatures. The Gold Coast is just a great place to be - it's got a bit of everything, from beaches to horses and everything else in between."

Although Mia, Lena and Lucas don't join their parents at the Magic Millions events, they've gone with them to Australia before. Mike said in 2019, "[T]he ability to get up early, go on the beach - especially for the kids, taking them in the ocean is brilliant."

All the children also came over with Zara to reunite with Mike after his stint in ITV's I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022. A cruise would be another big trip and the school summer holidays would be the perfect time.

As well as a possible holiday abroad, the Tindall family might keep up the tradition of spending some quality time with the royals at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire. Queen Elizabeth used to host her family every summer and now King Charles invites his nearest and dearest to come.

Zara Tindall went to school in Moray and she and Mike later got married in Edinburgh, so Scotland is another destination that means a lot to both of them.

Zara Tindall knows exactly what outfits are breathable enough to wear in the heat and still look elegant and over the years her Wimbledon style has always included a simple midi dress. This silhouette is her go-to and she reached for it again on 8th July when she and her husband Mike made a low-key appearance at the tennis.

They don't usually sit in the Royal Box and can go under the radar, though Zara's blue and white striped dress caught my eye as she's worn stripes a lot to Wimbledon. It was by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance and had puffed sleeves and a round neckline.

Delicate buttons mean you can adjust the look and the King's niece undid a couple to give her dress a more relaxed feel. If you prefer summer dresses that accentuate your waist then you can't go wrong with a fit-and-flare shape like this.

Shop Zara's Wimbledon Outfit

A flowy skirt that doesn't cling to your legs is also a bonus when it's boiling hot outside and I love the way Zara Tindall's dress had stripes running in several directions. Pastel blue and white is a popular combination and the two colours were a soft contrast.

This helped to make the patterned design subtler. The Princess of Wales is a big fan of polka dots in the summer months and she often goes for black and white or navy and white which are both bolder. Zara has also worn striped frocks in these colours to Wimbledon before, though I do like this lighter, brighter option.

Whatever shades you choose, spots and stripes are very timeless prints that are simple to style. The easiest way is to pick out one of the colours and match your accessories to it. This level of coordination makes an outfit seem very thought-out and polished.

Zara did this at Wimbledon, where she wore white Emmy London court shoes and carried a white and raffia Strathberry bag. Sadly this particular version is out of stock but the brand also makes this piece in tan and raffia.

She removed the longer strap and held it by the top handle one which is another trick the royals use to elevate their looks. Zara finished off her ensemble with her champagne-toned Finlay Tavistock sunglasses.

Pale neutral sunnies are a great alternative to black or brown pairs as they're less stark on the face and complement paler outfits well.

The King's niece has worn hers a lot, including to Royal Ascot this year. In the past she's worn similar colours with her midi dresses and they're perfect for a sunny day. No jacket was needed on Day 10 as she and Mike enjoyed the matches and chatted with former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner who was sitting near them.

The couple weren't the only royals attending the championships, as Queen Camilla and Zara's brother and sister-in-law Peter and Harriet Phillips also enjoyed a day at the tennis.

It's not just the Duke of Sussex's relationship with his father and brother that's suffered since he and Meghan moved to California. According to royal expert Duncan Larcombe, rumours are that Harry has "barely spoken" with Zara Tindall in recent years.

Writing in Woman magazine, Duncan revealed that "sources say the Duke of Sussex has all but lost touch with his one-time playmate Zara". The pair used to be incredibly close and it was partly thanks to Harry that Zara met her husband Mike during the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

"I understand they have barely spoken in the years since the prince, 41, met and married Meghan," the expert said. "Not only are they said to have drifted apart, but the old close friendship they once enjoyed has, I understand, almost entirely evaporated."

Prince Harry and Zara haven't been seen in public together since King Charles's coronation and then only briefly. Meanwhile Mike spoke about how his cousin-in-law had changed at the 2026 Hay Festival during a talk with his The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast co-hosts.

As they joked about people embarrassing themselves at the Tindalls' wedding he quipped, "A lot of other people managed that way better than you – [like] Harry, when he was fun".

It doesn't just seem to be Zara who Harry has drifted apart from. He was the only cousin not at Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling's wedding on 6th June apart from Lady Louise Windsor, who's studying in her final year at university. We don't know whether Prince Harry and Meghan were invited or if they didn't make the guest list.

In an episode of her and Reverend Richard Coles' podcast Keeping Up With The Royals, woman&home royal correspondent Emily Andrews speculated that Peter thought it would be tricky if he asked them.

"The Sussex's team wouldn't be drawn on whether Harry and Meghan were invited or not," she said. "I suspect that Peter probably didn't invite Harry and Meghan because it's too problematic."

Reports have also alleged that they hadn't spoken for a while either, though he also used to be close with Harry. He was with him and William at Balmoral when they were told Princess Diana had died and royal biographer Hugo Vickers has said Peter Phillips was a "huge help".

It was interesting to see that whilst Harry and Meghan weren't at his wedding, possibly because it would be "problematic", Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice were.

This was their first public appearance since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest in February. They've not been personally accused of anything and their father continues to deny all allegations of wrongdoing, but there's been a lot of scrutiny of them by association.

Clearly, they are still quite close to Peter and he wanted them there regardless. It's sad to see how Prince Harry's relationship with his cousins appears to have also been affected by everything in recent years.

"I think it's not just William who is upset by what Harry's done," Emily Andrews said, adding. "Let's not forget that [Harry's] talked a lot about how he has felt let down in the royal machinery… I think there are many other members of the family who felt that Harry has behaved badly".

Whether you're not sure what to wear to Wimbledon or want some style inspiration for elegant summer outfits in general, Zara Tindall's outfit from the 2024 championships is one that's worth reminding yourself about. She styled the ME+EM Shadow Berry maxi dress with a woven clutch and wedges to create a sophisticated ensemble that didn't feel too formal for the daytime.

The frock was covered with the most delicate botanical print, featuring green watercolour-esque leaves and tiny pink and yellow blooms that brightened up the white base fabric. If you're going to wear a patterned design, I'd advise going for something mostly neutral like this as it balances everything out and makes accessorising a lot simpler.

Recreate Zara's Wimbledon Outfit

The subtle colour contrast in Zara's dress meant it had an understated feel and the silhouette was incredibly timeless. The fitted bodice accentuated the waist, the skirt fell to just above her ankles and puffed sleeves brought a feminine flourish.

Maxi dresses can sometimes look a little too much for daytime events but Zara Tindall knows the design details to look out for to avoid this. Her dress had an A-line skirt shape which meant it was more streamlined and didn't risk going into gown territory.

The material also helped increase the versatility of this ME+EM summer dress. It wasn't super heavy or lightweight and didn't have a sheen in the same way as silk and satin or the volume of tulle, which can easily make a dress look far more evening-appropriate.

Personally, I'd advise opting for cotton or linen frocks (or options with a blend including them) which are super breathable to wear in the heat. The royal didn't need to worry about this quite so much in July 2024 and draped a white blazer over her shoulders.

She wore white open-toe wedges by YSL and carried a green Anya Hindmarch woven leather bag. Both colours coordinated with her dress and added a sense of cohesion, even though they didn't match each other.

Zara's shoes and bag were a wonderful choice and were more relaxed than a structured top handle bag and heels would've been. Wedges also offer a level of stability that you often don't get from stilettos and whether you're enjoying a day at the tennis, or a family BBQ or outing, you don't want to risk getting stuck in grass or being uncomfortable.

Neutral framed Zahra sunglasses by SOEK completed Zara Tindall's Wimbledon outfit and were a nice contemporary touch in an otherwise very classic look. This was the last time that she and Mike went to the championships, having given the London-based tournament a miss in 2025.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons that this look particularly stands out to me but it's also just incredibly chic and easy to replicate. After all, you can't really go wrong with a floral dress, espadrilles and a woven bag - and you can adjust the combination to suit your own signature style.

Of all the late Queen’s grandchildren, Prince Harry once seemed to have a particular bond with Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Phillips (now Tindall).

The cousins shared a fun-loving and at times rebellious streak that seemed to set them apart from the more stuffy and formal members of the family.

Never was this more evident than when Zara and Harry celebrated watching the England team win the final of the Rugby World Cup in Sydney back in November 2003.

Then third in line to the throne, Harry was on a gap year in the host country Australia, while Zara was letting her hair down with pals.

They were kindred spirits who seemed to have so much in common. And, of course, it was during that trip that Zara would meet her future hubby, hunky World Cup hero Mike Tindall.

Harry had already started to earn the tag of the partying, carefree prince, while his cousin had grabbed the headlines for having her tongue pierced - something seen as an un-royal act of rebellion at the time.

Paradoxically, the cousins enjoyed a particular bond with the late Queen Elizabeth, who seemed to have an unlikely soft spot for them both.

For Harry, Zara was someone who he could be himself with, a family member who shared the same down-to-earth personality, which made her fun to be with.

And for Zara, Harry was someone who she always seemed to gravitate towards as they endured official family gatherings.

How things have changed. Six years after he fled to America, sources say the Duke of Sussex has all but lost touch with his one-time playmate Zara.

In fact, I understand they have barely spoken in the years since the prince, 41, met and married Meghan.

Not only are they said to have drifted apart, but the old close friendship they once enjoyed has, I understand, almost entirely evaporated.

One of the clearest indications of how hard things have become was served up recently by Zara’s husband. Speaking at an event at Hay Festival with his co-hosts from his rugby podcast, Mike hit the headlines for a throwaway comment he made that seemed to sum up Zara’s revised view of Harry in this post-Megxit era.

The former England centre quipped that he knew Harry ‘when he was fun’ – a remark that brought laughter from his fellow broadcaster James Haskell.

On the surface, it may have seemed a fairly harmless remark from someone who was once a drinking buddy of the spare to the heir. But in reality, it could well have hit a sore spot for Harry – after all, Mike, 47, has first-hand experience of what Harry’s cousins really think of him in recent times.

In my opinion, there is no way Mike would have risked incurring the wrath of his wife by making such a comment in public unless it truly reflected how she herself feels.

It suggested something that royal watchers have suspected for several years – that Harry’s cousins feel he has changed a huge amount, and certainly since moving away.

The fun-loving, beer-swilling royal who always managed to ease the tedium of set-piece occasions with his uniquely devil-may-care attitude towards stuffy family gatherings appears to be a thing of the past.

Instead, Harry has, it seems, become an outcast in his own family, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Once the life and soul of the party, he is arguably a shadow of his former self.

Zara is probably far too savvy to risk making such a comment in public. But the fact her husband made it perhaps proves how Harry is viewed by the wider family who once adored him.

There is no doubt that Harry will have been made aware of the comment and it is almost impossible to imagine that it wouldn’t have stung.

Until Mike’s remark, the royals have followed a strict policy of not being drawn into tit-for-tat comments about how Harry is viewed these days. A senior royal source told me, ‘It may have been a throwaway remark, but what Mike said would have really upset Harry.'

'He has been at great pains to convince people he is living the dream since quitting life as a full-time working royal. But it perhaps reveals a lot about how Harry is now perceived by his cousin Zara in the years since he and Meghan cut ties with the family.’

Clearly, and maybe unsurprisingly, Zara seems to have lost touch with the cousin who she once shared so much with. What we don’t know is whether her view comes out of loyalty to William and Kate.

Harry will visit the UK next month, but there are currently no plans for him to see any members of his family, including Zara.

This feature first appeared in Woman magazine. Subscribe now and get your first 6 issues for £1.

Is there anything more summery than a barbecue? Even the Royal Family like firing up the grill this time of year and according to Mike Tindall, Zara is a bit of an expert. Speaking exclusively to woman&home's royal correspondent Emily Andrews in the July issue, the rugby star confessed his wife is better at barbecuing than he is.

"Zara is competitive in everything!" he said. "I think that's the individual mindset. And she's an amazing cook, better than me 100% and better on the barbecue."

She might be the BBQ pro but Mike still likes to be involved, adding, "I enjoy standing around a barbecue because what man doesn't? It makes you feel even manlier cooking meat! But washing up and clearing up, that's my space."

It seems like Zara Tindall has inherited her love - and skill - at cooking on the barbecue from her late grandfather Prince Philip who was famous for his at-home grills. He might've been the husband of a reigning Queen, but Philip liked a challenge and once he decided to learn how to BBQ he put everything into it.

His BBQs are remembered fondly by his grandchildren and Prince William once explained that when the royals go on barbecues "there's no chef, there's [no-one] else".

"Every barbecue that I've ever been on, the Duke of Edinburgh has been there cooking," he told the BBC documentary, Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers, in 2021, which was filmed both before and after the Duke's death.

William added, "He'd be the first person to say when he started off he hadn't got a clue what he was doing. But such is the way that he is that he tackles a new challenge, and, you know, grapples it and learns as he does it. And he's mastered it."

When Prince Philip passed away Prince Harry even called his grandfather "master of the barbecue" - as well as "legend of banter". Cooking for his family was probably a nice change for Philip and gave them a slice of normal life outside the palace with its chefs.

Duchess Sophie has said before that Prince Edward is also "very good at barbecues" which his own children Louise and James love so those memories of Philip grilling have clearly inspired several generations of his family. I'd love to know if it's Zara or Edward that the royals turn to most now, as they've both nailed this summer skill.

At least Zara Tindall has Mike to clear things up! She might take after Philip with the cooking, but Mike is following in Queen Elizabeth's footsteps with the washing up.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said in 2022 that it was an "extraordinary treat" to go to Balmoral each year and recalled what it was like eating a meal with the Queen and Prince Philip out on the moor.

"And there at a sort of converted bothy, an old cottage on the hill, would be the Duke of Edinburgh with a barbeque he'd built himself, barbequing grouse for your dinner," he said. "I'm not making this up, you sat down and Prince Philip and Her Majesty the Queen served your dinner and cleared it away and washed it up while you sat talking with the other guests."

The weather is heating up again and the summer events keep on coming, but we can always rely on Zara Tindall to oblige and deliver some much-needed style inspiration. She didn't disappoint on Day 1 of Royal Ascot and instead of going for vibrant colours like so many of the royals do, she went for head-to-toe pastels.

Even Mike got on board and matched his tie to her Rebecca Vallance dress, which is a sneak peak of a new season colour that's yet to be released. Alongside her trusty British clothing brands like Fairfax & Favor and Aspinal, Zara regularly champions the Australian designer but this lilac Ascot dress is a little different.

Instead of going for the high neck, puffed sleeve shape she often wears, the equestrian royal chose a wrap dress with a scalloped collared neckline.

Shop Lilac Dresses

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I'm surely not the only one who took one look at this gorgeous piece and thought of the Princess of Wales. She loves tailored dresses and Zara Tindall's frock had the perfect Kate-esque blend of structure and femininity.

The skirt was floaty and the bodice was streamlined without being overly fitted. The waist belt accentuated this fit-and-flare shape too.

Flowy silhouettes are ideal to wear in the heat as they're more breathable and you can't beat pastels when you want to add a summery edge. Blush pink and cerulean blue are both fashion colour trends for 2026 and the King's niece paired her dusty purple dress with rose accessories.

Her court shoes were Kate's favourite Emmy London Rebecca design in the shade 'misty rose' which is still available in the lower-heeled Claudia style. For Ascot, Zara might have used her affordable heel trick and added plastic protectors to avoid sinking into the grass.

Like many people I prefer lower block heels which tend to be comfier too and no matter what specific style you wear, blush pink is remarkably versatile. It's so similar to beige or pale tan whilst being very soft and feminine. You can pair it with neutrals or with other pastels to complement it - as Zara did.

Even her bag was a pale pink tone and instead of one of her Aspinal Lotties she carried an Anya Hindmarch design. Top handle bags work effortlessly with occasionwear as they are generally more structured.

This style suits pieces like summer wedding guest dresses or jumpsuits and many come with detachable long straps anyway so you can make them more casual if you wanted to wear them with everyday outfits.

Coordinating your bag and shoes is a clever way to make a simple ensemble look particularly polished and this is exactly what Zara did. She finished off her look with sunglasses and a lilac boater hat, as well as amethyst drop earrings.

She started off Ascot 2026 strongly with this pastel outfit and with the temperatures set to rise, I think we'll see her reaching for more flowy midi dresses for the rest of the week.

We all know the Royal Family enjoys a bit of friendly rivalry, but who is the most competitive of all? If you said the Princess of Wales you might just be surprised by Mike Tindall's verdict.

The retired rugby star admits that "sport is rife" throughout the family and he thinks his wife Zara edges out her fellow royals with her competitiveness. Speaking exclusively to Royal Correspondent Emily Andrews in the July issue of woman&home, Mike explains that "individual athletes are more competitive" and adds that "Zara is competitive in everything!"

He suggests that this is because of the "individual mindset" and it makes sense that Olympic Silver Medal-winning Zara would love a competition. It's her livelihood after all and from the sounds of it, Mike was very confident in his answer.

During a segment on the 11th June episode of her Catching Up With The Royals podcast with co-host Reverend Richard Coles, Emily talked more about interviewing Mike and asking him the all-important question.

"I said, 'Who's more competitive? Who's the most competitive?' and he said, 'Zara'," Emily shared. "Zara in *everything*…without any hesitation."

According to Mike, his wife of almost 15 years is also an "amazing cook, better than [him] 100% and better on the barbecue" too. He also opened up to Emily about the couple's drinking games with the Princess of Wales and clarified something key.

When she, Prince William and Princess Anne appeared in a special episode of Mike's The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast in 2023 we heard about Kate's surprising love of beer pong. But the rugby star reveals that it's actually prosecco pong she plays.

He says, "I knew that the Princess of Wales was uber competitive because I'd seen her play a drinking game called beer pong, but normally we play prosecco pong! She still plays it with us."

If Zara truly is competitive about "everything" presumably she's keen to win these games with Kate and Mike too. Because they're working royals we get to see Prince William and Kate compete with each other more often when they undertake sports-based engagements.

On Mike's podcast, the Princess of Wales also confessed that behind-the-scenes she's not sure they've ever managed to finish a game of tennis. Instead it apparently becomes a "mental challenge" between them. However, in his book, Meet Ella, Kate's brother James claimed that William is happy to lose at card games.

"Ella [James's late spaniel] gives him a good excuse to escape the fiercely competitive nature of the Middleton family, which emerges every time we play our favourite fast-paced card game, racing demon," James alleged.

"I think he'd prefer to absent himself from the game entirely," he added. "My sisters and I exchange a knowing glance: William, for all the competitive rigour of his military training, is happy to be a loser at cards."

No anxiety over possible rain was going to dampen Zara Tindall's spirits at her brother Peter Phillips' wedding rehearsal and whilst she was focusing on the details, I couldn't help admiring her outfit for the occasion. It's rare that we get to see the royals in what most of us would consider to be "everyday clothes" and Zara looked chic and casual in jeans and trainers.

Although she usually shops at British clothing brands, her jeans were the Miro barrel-leg style by LA-based Citizens of Humanity. Barrel-leg cuts continue to be a popular denim trend for 2026 and Zara's are on the subtler side, but if you're not a fan of this curved horseshoe style then I personally love straight-leg or wide-leg jeans instead.

Recreate Zara Tindall's Look

They are closer in shape to trousers which makes them a bit more timeless and yet they still have that looser, relaxed feel. You can also dress them up with wedges or loafers, making them a versatile option to have in your summer capsule wardrobe.

The King's niece owns the Miro jeans in a classic mid-blue wash and they're high-rise. High-waisted styles are perfect for tucking tops into and help elongate your frame. On the day of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling's wedding rehearsal, Zara kept her jacket fastened as the weather wasn't tremendously warm.

It was a khaki-green funnel-neck design by Rails and the cropped length complemented the high-cut jeans. A sporty drawstring detail running along the bottom accentuated the off-duty feel of this piece and worked with the overall look.

Tailored blazers, trench coats or a simple knitted cardigan would all make gorgeous alternatives depending on how elevated or low-key you want your jeans outfits to be. Zara Tindall finished off her ensemble with off-white and black adidas Campus 00s trainers and a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses.

White trainers are a failsafe footwear choice, but neutral tones are equally wearable and can be a softer contrast against the rest of your look. This kind of outfit is so useful for the unpredictable weather we're experiencing now, where it's warm yet rainy.

It's not too layer-heavy and cotton jeans are a breathable choice when you don't necessarily want to bare your legs. The equestrian royal has worn a similar look before at the Badminton Horse Trials last year.

On this occasion she wore the Miro barrel-leg jeans with a boucle jacket and trainers from Fairfax & Favor. These items combined to create a stunning smart-casual look, with the relaxed jeans and trainers keeping things comfortable and minimal and the jacket elevating it.

Zara's wedding rehearsal take on this outfit was a practical choice for a busy day and it couldn't have been more different from the one she wore the next day when Peter and Harriet tied the knot at All Saints’ Church in Kemble. The rain was torrential but the proud sister was beaming all day long in her bluebell-toned Rebecca Vallance midi dress and silver accessories.

Heatwave dressing can be a challenge and I personally just want something easy to throw on that looks presentable without me having to really do any "styling" per say. Dresses are an easy item to wear in the heat and Zara Tindall's white Broderie Anglaise one is so timeless that it's still inspiring my summer wardrobe to this day.

The King's niece stepped out in this mini-length design for a Magic Millions Polo event in 2017 in the height of Australia's summer. It was by Zimmerman and was made from breezy, embroidered cotton with a mandarin collar and bell skirt.

Nowadays Zara would probably pick a midi-length frock over a mini but regardless of which length you prefer, there's no denying that this style is versatile. Cotton is such a breathable fabric for hot weather and it doesn't crease as easily as linen if that's something that bothers you (it can often annoy me!)

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She went for a short-sleeved option, though there are so many gorgeous long-sleeved or sleeveless Broderie Anglaise designs out there for the 2026 season if you want more or less coverage. The Broderie Anglaise cut-outs on Zara's dress immediately took what was a very simple white dress into something that looked a lot more special.

This style gives a vintage edge and the intricacy of the cut-outs elevates an overall design and makes it feel more formal. Zara Tindall could easily have dressed this outfit up even more, adding court shoe heels and a matching clutch for a sense of cohesion.

I think espadrille wedges or white trainers would also look amazing for a smart-casual look and the beauty of a dress like this is just how versatile it is. If you're someone who loves vibrant accessories then you can pair whichever colours you want with a white dress, knowing that it will always complement them.

Alternatively, go for neutral or metallic shoes and handbags and you'll accentuate the minimalist elegance of the frock. For the Magic Millions event, Zara went for a burgundy clutch bag and tan lattice-strap flat sandals for a touch of contrast.

If she was going to wear a Broderie Anglaise for 2026 I'd imagine she'd opt for wedges like the ones she wore to a polo match last June, one of her favourite Aspinal Lottie bags and perhaps a straw hat. Even though Zara's fashion choices have evolved over the years, she's always loved timeless styles and her white dress is a testament to this.

Although the colour means it's probably not going to work as a summer wedding guest dress, a white Broderie Anglaise piece would be perfect for heatwave BBQs, visiting friends and family or even just relaxing at home when you want to feel put-together. The looser the silhouette the more comfortable and casual the overall dress will usually be.

For a smarter feel, go for something with a little more structure, or a dress with a waist belt that can be removed, allowing you to adjust the fit.

In public the Royal Family are perfectly poised, but moments when we see them let their guard down really paint a picture of the people behind the titles. Nicknames are another way they show their personalities and there have been some memorable ones - Prince Philip calling Queen Elizabeth "cabbage" springs to mind.

Low-key royal couple Zara and Mike Tindall also have pet names and I was surprised when the retired rugby star revealed what his wife calls him. In woman&home's July issue, on sale now, he explains to the magazine's Royal Editor Emily Andrews that "if it's nicknames, it's Z and Mikey-T".

Mikey-T is brilliant, with a musician-esque ring to it and when they're not using these specific names, they both call each other "munchin" too.

For two royals who are known for not taking themselves too seriously, I couldn't think of a perfect set of nicknames - even if I'd never have predicted the musician-esque moniker "Mikey-T". Mike was asked by Emily how he juggles the eternal work-life balance and although he admits it "can be stressful" now they've had kids, a sense of fun is important.

"You're trying to do everything all at once, and that's hard. But you find a way. The whole point is to find a way and get it done while having fun at the same time. That's what we try to do anyway," he says, adding, "You've always got to see the funny side!"

Zara said something very similar at the 2025 Beauty Awards, confessing, "Nothing runs smoothly ever. You've got to accept that in life. It's a work-in-progress [but] you've got to have fun."

The couple will be celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary in July and are proud parents to Mia (12), Lena (7) and Lucas (5). Mike tells Emily his daughters are following in their mum's footsteps with horse-riding, though it's "not a sport [he's] good at".

The retired rugby star is much more of a fan of golf nowadays and recently played in the 2026 ISPS Handa Mike Tindall Celebrity Golf Classic tournament. Held every year, it raises money for two amazing charities, Cure Parkinson's and The Matt Hampton Foundation.

Mike is also known for co-hosting the podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, and it was on an episode of this that he described the way Lucas was welcomed into the world in 2021. Unusually for a royal baby, the Tindalls' son was born in the bathroom at their Gatcombe Park home.

"Arrived very quickly. Didn't make it to hospital. On the bathroom floor," Mike shared. "So yeah, it was running to the gym, get a mat, get into the bathroom, get the mat on the floor, towels down, brace, brace, brace."

Zara's friend Dolly Maude realised they wouldn't have reached the hospital in time and thankfully the midwife wasn't far, so she was soon there and the second midwife followed shortly after.

When Mike Tindall appeared on I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Zara wrote her husband a sweet letter which revealed that the whole family often go by their initials, not just her, as she signed it off "Z, M, L and L".

Read Emily Andrews' full interview with Mike Tindall in woman&home's July issue, on sale now.

Every year many of us are left scrambling to find summer wedding guest dresses and the last thing we want to think about afterwards is accessories. That’s why investing in a pair of shoes that will work with all of your occasionwear looks is such a life-saver and Zara Tindall knows this.

Nude-beige heels are an easy first option, but she loves styling her frocks with metallics for something a little more special. On her 45th birthday the King’s niece attended the annual gala following the ISPS Handa Mike Tindall Celebrity Golf Classic tournament.

She dazzled in a luxury-meets-high-street outfit consisting of a midnight blue mini dress by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance and silver court shoes from British brand Dune. The shoes tied in with the embellished neckline and the bows on either side of the skirt.

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Even if there hadn’t been any silver detailing on the frock, these heels would’ve still looked magnificent against the deep blue for a touch of contrast. Metallic accessories can often be overlooked compared to neutrals like white, tan and black, but they go with everything and the subtle shimmer makes them feel elevated even if the design is actually quite simple.

Zara Tindall’s shoes were timeless, with a stiletto heel and pointed toe and the silver brought some added glamour. A classic design like this will balance out the boldness of the colour and keep everything on the sophisticated side.

She’s worn the Dune heels so many times before, including to Royal Ascot in 2024, to the Magic Millions Carnival in Australia earlier this year and to the Epsom Derby in 2022. Silver is a cool-toned metallic shade, whilst gold and bronze are warm-toned.

Each looks particularly fabulous when they’re worn with colours that mirror these undertones - although that’s not essential! Zara has shown that blue looks particularly lovely with silver, and gold looks stunning with red and other sunset colours, but I think that metallic shoes are particularly striking when you’re wearing neutrals.

Their versatility is underrated and Zara Tindall has brought back these Dune silver heels year after year. They have a textured finish without being glittery, though you can really make a statement with metallic accessories if you go for embellished designs.

The equestrian royal wasn’t holding a handbag in the picture Mike shared of the two of them on his Instagram and yet I wouldn’t be surprised if she brought a silver one with her to the gala dinner to hold her essentials.

Coordinating shoes and handbags is one of the Royal Family’s most-used methods to give outfits a polished feel. Zara and Mike also matched with each other, as the retired rugby star looked to be wearing a deep navy blue jacket that night.

The ISPS Handa Mike Tindall Celebrity Golf Classic tournament is held every year in May and raises money for two fantastic causes, Cure Parkinson's and The Matt Hampton Foundation.

The charity tournament was first launched in 2013 and has coincided with Zara Tindall’s birthday several times. Posting at the gala, Mike declared, "An incredible day celebrating two wonderful causes. And who could forget some Birthday celebrations too!"

Zara Tindall spent her 45th birthday with her husband Mike at the 2026 ISPS Handa Mike Tindall Celebrity Golf Classic tournament and her outfit couldn't have been more different from what she wore just days earlier for a royal Garden Party. Instead of a summer dress and heels, Zara went casual in a peppermint green tournament polo, white jeans and Skechers trainers.

We saw a glimpse of her look in a special photo Mike shared and in the caption he dubbed his wife a "legend" for "letting" him play golf on her birthday. Her jeans had a straight-leg cut and were slightly cropped which gave them a summery edge.

Recreate Zara's Look

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to finding comfortable jeans, though I find straight-leg styles a great all-rounder shape. They're not fitted over the calves so you don't feel overly restricted and yet they're not as flowy and relaxed as wide-leg or barrel-leg jeans.

That means it's simpler to dress them up with heels or wedges and they also work with low-key pieces. Zara Tindall's white jeans outfit showed the versatility of this silhouette perfectly, as her top and trainers were casual and her jeans actually felt more formal.

The colour helps with this and white denim is not only a great way to give your daily looks a summery feel, but it can also make your jeans look more like tailored trousers than a mottled blue wash does. White jeans also go with any other shades, no matter how bright, dark or pale, which is also a bonus.

The King's niece was wearing a vibrant green polo so the plain jeans balanced things. Her trainers look to be navy blue and white Sketchers Damen Arch Fit Arcade Arcatas. They're made from canvas with a rubber sole and a removable insole which adapts to your feet, making them a very practical choice.

Navy is a softer alternative to black if you want to wear a darker neutral tone that doesn't mark as easily as white trainers can - especially if you're going to be out and about walking on grass. The design of Zara's Skechers also incorporated enough white that they didn't look stark against her jeans and if you're tempted to invest in colourful trainers this can make styling them easier.

Having an element of white or black in there means you'll likely always be able to find an accessory or item of clothing to tie in with them and make your outfit feel coordinated. Zara Tindall matched her cap to her navy shoes and tied her blonde hair back underneath it.

She spent her last birthday at the tournament too and Mike has also posted a selection of throwback snaps of them attending multiple different times in recent years. The event brings together sporting legends and supporters to raise money for two fantastic charities, Cure Parkinson's and The Matt Hampton Foundation.

The Matt Hampson Foundation provides crucial support to young people who have sustained life-altering injuries through sport, and Cure Parkinson's funds and supports research that could help slow, stop or reverse the progression of Parkinson's.

It's a one-day tournament and since Zara Tindall is such a proud supporter of the event and of Mike, I wouldn't be surprised if she was honoured to spend her birthday there again this year.

Anyone on the look-out for summer wedding guest dresses has two key boxes to tick - finding a colour they love and a shape that works for them. Whilst the second is very personal, there's so much inspiration to be found for different shades and Zara Tindall just made a strong case for forget-me-not blue for occasionwear.

She attended her first Garden Party of 2026 on 8th May wearing a midi dress from Leo Lin with Emmy London pumps and, of course, a bag by her go-to brand Aspinal.

The duck egg blue heels brought some contrast but the embroidery on her Mayfair Clutch perfectly matched her frock. This colour brought out the blue of Zara's eyes and was a lovely mix between a pastel and a bright tone.

Recreate Zara's Look

It reminds me of forget-me-not flowers (the late Princess Diana's favourite) and works beautifully with lighter neutrals like white and tan, but you could easily style this blue with deep cobalt or navy too. Alternatively, red accessories would really pop against it as a fellow primary colour.

Zara Tindall went for something more understated for the Buckingham Palace Garden Party and stuck to pale blue and white tones for her shoes, bag and hat. Together blue and white always feel so summery and an outfit like this would work beautifully for so many special occasions.

By the time weddings come around you can often find yourself struggling to find the ideal outfit, so I always pick up options as soon as they catch my eye. Forget-me-not blue isn't as common for bridesmaid dresses as true pastels like blush pink, sage green and dusty blue, so it makes a great pick.

The King's niece stuck to a silhouette she knows she loves, with the fitted bodice, flared skirt and puffed sleeves. We've seen her step out in similar shapes at Ascot and Garden Parties in the past, so Zara is likely to get a lot of use out of this piece going forwards.

I'd advise taking a similar approach if you're shopping for occasionwear, as it can often have a higher price-point. If you're usually drawn to halterneck styles or shift dresses then go for these silhouettes to help ensure you feel confident and chic, whilst getting plenty of wear out of your item.

Midi dresses are a stunning option for weddings or parties when you want to be elegant but not ultra formal. Zara Tindall paired hers with court heels to accentuate the timelessness of her ensemble, though wedges would also be stunning.

Her Mayfair clutch was equally classic, with a slight twist with the garden-inspired embroidery. Accessories are a lovely way to introduce some forget-me-not blue into your outfit if you've got a more pared-back dress and don't want to go quite as full-on with the colour as Zara.

For a casual take on her ensemble, you can also opt for a dress in a relaxed fabric like linen or jersey and add white trainers and a raffia bag. Zara Tindall primarily wears dresses just for smarter events and with Ascot just around the corner we're about to see her step out in many more fabulous frocks.

It's possible this Leo Lin dress could also get another chance to shine and it'll be interesting to see if she styles it differently.

After months of keeping as low a profile as possible, Princess Eugenie returned to social media on 4th May to reveal she’s pregnant with her and Jack Brooksbank's third child. She confirmed the news on her Instagram, whilst the palace released a separate statement saying King Charles had been informed and was "delighted".

However, it was apparently thanks to Zara Tindall that there was this official announcement, according to the Mail on Sunday. The publication reports that the "Palace became involved in issuing a formal proclamation only after Eugenie’s cousin Zara Tindall, one of the few to have been entrusted with the news, persuaded her to write to the King."

A royal source also alleged that the pregnant Princess "did so via an Easter card accompanied by a carefully written letter to her uncle". This apparently came after Eugenie had been a little "apprehensive" over how her baby news and the attention on it would go down with the Royal Family in light of the scandal engulfing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

"She and Jack were quite surprised by the warmth of the Palace response," the source claimed. "The couple had feared a frostier reception and had been contemplating making a media announcement of their own without the Palace being involved, but the King made contact and asked his officials to make a formal announcement."

King Charles hasn’t addressed these new reports, though if Zara did encourage her cousin to confide in him, that speaks volumes about their own relationship. Christmas Day was the last time we saw Eugenie and her sister Princess Beatrice out with the rest of the royals.

Zara and her daughter Lena were seen laughing with Beatrice and her husband Edoardo and their bond was clear to see. The equestrian royal looks like she’s making a real effort with the York sisters and isn’t distancing herself in light of the scrutiny on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

He continues to vehemently deny all allegations of wrongdoing and Eugenie and Beatrice haven’t been accused of anything themselves. Despite this, their father’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in February and him losing his Princely title last year must’ve surely taken an emotional toll on the pair.

If Zara was one of a select group Eugenie told at first, it shows the cousins are still close. Neither are working royals and yet they’ve often stepped up to support The Firm at events like Garden Parties and have attended Ascot and Cheltenham together.

The Tindalls are also incredibly close to the Prince and Princess of Wales and have managed to forge their own paths, perfecting - as woman&home royal correspondent Emily Andrews puts it - the "royal balancing act". In our March issue, she explained that Zara and Mike "honour the monarchy, and maintain close bonds with the likes of William and Kate, all while raising thousands for charity" and "paying their own way".

They’re very loyal to the monarchy, so it also makes sense on this level that Zara might’ve thought it was a good idea for Eugenie to inform the head of the family before releasing her pregnancy announcement.

King Charles’s new great-niece or great-nephew will be born 15th in the royal line of succession and their arrival will likely mark the start of a happier period for Eugenie after such a challenging year so far.

Summer is on the horizon and we’re in the full throes of spring, which might mean your calendar has suddenly come to life with all manner of outdoor occasions.

And while there’s nothing better than planning what to wear for wedding season, finally getting to shop for the best summer dresses and accessories, there’s always the chance that the weather will turn. Nothing can undo the glamour of your perfect outfit than slipping around in the mud or ruining your shoes walking on uneven grass.

Fortunately, Zara Tindall has the most inspired trick that will save your footwear this summer - and it can cost you less than £5. First spotted a few years back at a Buckingham Palace garden party, Zara braved the rain and the lawns in a pair of suede shoes with clear heel protectors.

Shop Heel Protectors

The clear heel protectors were an inspired addition to Zara’s chic outfit - being both hard to spot and a practical choice to avoid common missteps that often befall those in stilettos.

Being clear, the discreet accessories were barely noticeable on her £495 Emmy London Rebecca shoes, made from a luxurious suede and in a blush rose hue.

While Zara was battling an unpredictable summer day - protecting the suede from sinking into the wet grass - these heel protectors would have been just as useful in providing a more stable footing on solid ground.

And they could help prevent getting the heel stuck in grates - something that has even caught out Kate Middleton a few times over the years, including during the Irish Guards St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2013.

It’s such a clever idea - and it shows just how practical the royals can be. While we can’t be sure what brand Zara opted for, heel protectors are available in a range of styles. A pack of nine can cost as little as £4.99 from Amazon - and they could certainly last you for many weddings, garden parties and more this summer.

The likes of Zara Tindall and other royals are often out and about at outdoor events - including regular appearances at the likes of the Royal Ascot races and Buckingham Palace garden parties - and perhaps this is why they’re able to pull off stilettos.

Despite fancy flat shoes becoming something of a trend for this summer, with Zara’s inspired trick, heels could be right back in regular rotation.

While other royals, including Duchess Sophie, sometimes opt for a wedge for outdoor events, Zara generally opts for a timeless pair of court shoes to formal occasions - and perhaps her inspired heel trick is the reason why.

While we only got a close-up look at her heel guards in pictures from 2024, we’ll be looking to see if we spot them again in the future.

Some people might think that pairing trainers with an elegant dress is too much of a style contrast. I say this is a summer match made in heaven and Zara Tindall seems to agree with me. Last year she and her husband Mike attended the 2025 F1 Grand Prix in Bahrain and she re-wore her blue and white patterned maxi from Scanlan Theodore.

Zara debuted it a few months earlier in Australia during the Magic Millions Carnival but this time she wore it with Superga trainers. Superga is a brand that features heavily in the royals’ collection of best white trainers and the King’s niece wore the 2630 Cotu style.

These are made from canvas with a slightly elevated sole and she stuck to plain white for maximum versatility. As much as I love colourful trainers they are so much trickier to style if you’re someone who doesn’t like to clash.

Shop Dresses Like Zara's

Shop Zara's Trainers

White shoes will go with almost any outfit and Zara made the clever choice to go for a streamlined design. The more sleek and minimal your trainers are, the more they’ll blend in with the rest of your outfit and look smarter than your average sports shoe.

If you love chunky trainers then go for it, though Zara Tindall’s approach gave her look a sophisticated feel that’s hard not to love. Her white trainers tied in with the white on the dress and the cobalt blue brought brightness and a summery feel.

Falling to ankle-length, this piece had a voluminous pleated skirt and puffed sleeves. The high neckline balanced out the boldness of the cut-out at the back. Maxi dresses can sometimes feel too elevated for the daytime or more like wedding guest dresses yet this worked perfectly.

Patterned maxis like Zara’s are naturally a little more casual and less likely to cross into "gown" territory and the addition of trainers will help dress things down. The fabric also makes a huge difference too.

I’d recommend steering away from satin or chiffon and going for cotton or linen which are breathable and don’t scream "eveningwear". At the Grand Prix Zara wore a crossbody bag to complement the ensemble rather than a clutch or top-handle style.

It was by her go-to brand, Aspinal, and she owns their Lottie bag in several different colours. This chalk white woven leather Lottie bag is still available now and it’s an investment piece that immediately draws the eye thanks to its intricate textured finish.

Something this size is spacious enough for your essentials and leaves you hands free without being bulky. The strap worn across the body makes this type of bag look more off-duty and Zara’s proved that works well with the maxi dress and trainers combination.

In Australia she wore her Scanlan Theodore frock with a tan leather Aspinal camera bag over the top and she went for flat sandals instead of her Supergas. These are a great alternative for summer but until the weather heats up socks and trainers are a better option.

Sorbet shades for spring is a trend I can get behind and Zara Tindall has already embraced it with a blush pink suit. Co-ords are one of her go-tos in the warmer months as they make a chic alternative to dresses.

They’re also more versatile as you can split up the set and wear only the blazer or the trousers depending on the occasion. For Day 2 of the Grand National Festival on 10th April, the equestrian royal wore the two-piece together for a sophisticated look and unsurprisingly, it’s by one of her favourite British clothing brands ME+EM.

Zara twinned in tailoring with her daughter Mia Tindall, but her blazer and straight-leg trousers looked to be made from linen and were a block colour. The shade of pink was very subtle and looked gorgeous against her crisp white Cefinn blouse.

Shop Suits Like Zara's

When you’re styling a colourful trouser suit I’d recommend going quite simple with your top to keep everything looking balanced. For a more casual twist on Zara’s outfit, style a pastel suit with a T-shirt underneath and white trainers or flat espadrilles.

The beauty of tailored staples is that they’re so structured and smart that they can elevate low-key looks or be made even more elegant depending on your preference. The King’s niece of course went for the second approach for a day at the races and paired her ME+EM suit with white Emmy London court heels, a matching blush pink hat and a Strathberry clutch.

Tortoiseshell sunglasses were a practical addition that also brought a cool edge. We rarely see the working royals wearing sunglasses outside of occasions like Wimbledon, which makes sense given they’re meeting so many people wherever they go and want to make eye contact.

However, Zara loves a pair of sunnies and uses them to great effect to enhance her outfits. The mottled finish of these ones contrasted wonderfully against her pale suit and shirt. Co-ords like hers are great for special occasions like weddings or garden parties if it’s too cold for dresses or if you’re just not that much of a fan of them anyway.

A pastel colour is always going to feel more understated than a bright suit and since these hues are always popular in spring/summer they add a seasonal feel too. The more streamlined the trousers, the more formal a suit tends to look.

Straight-leg trousers like Zara Tindall’s are great if you want that and if not, I’d advise opting for wide-leg, flared or even palazzo designs instead. She owns multiple different cuts of suits besides her ME+EM pink one, including the Veronica Beard blue set she wore to Ascot last year.

The trousers were looser and although she had heels on, Zara could also have gotten away with trainers or sandals with them. Her love of tailoring is clearly rubbing off on her own children and Mia Tindall styled her pinstriped suit with gold loafers and a blouse very similar to her mum’s.

The 12-year-old has also accompanied Zara to Cheltenham Racecourse before and now they’ve started doing these family days out, it’s likely that they will continue as she gets older.

Spring is here but it’s still too soon to break out the sundresses and sandals, making jeans, a jacket and trainers the perfect combination to see us through to the warmer weather. It’s a reliable formula that can be tweaked to suit different occasions and Zara Tindall’s take on it is worth checking out.

As much as we all love the Princess of Wales’s style, Zara’s outfits are often a lot more low-key and easy to copy, including this one from 2025 at the Badminton Horse Trials. She stepped out in Citizens of Humanity barrel-leg jeans with a Fairfax & Favor Ottilie boucle jacket and white trainers.

Barrel-leg jeans are still a big denim trend for 2026 and if they’re not for you, I’d recommend sticking to something more timeless like straight-leg jeans.

Shop Zara's Outfit

They’re more streamlined than wide-leg jeans and the straight up and down cut works well with a huge range of different shoe and top options. Zara Tindall’s denim was on the subtler side of barrel-leg anyway, so there isn’t a huge difference in shape.

She chose a mid-blue wash that I firmly believe is one of the most versatile tones to go for with denim. Indigo jeans feel more formal and very light jeans are more casual, so something in between gives you a lot of scope for dressing your jeans up or down.

Your jacket choice helps too and the equestrian royal championed one of her favourite British clothing brands with her boucle design. Her Fairfax & Favor collarless jacket was neat and minimal alongside her jeans and was a slightly more cool-toned blue.

These types of jackets bring understated glamour, perhaps because the boucle style is so closely associated with Chanel. Monochrome hues will complement any look, but paler colours work best with lighter denim as they’re less of a stark contrast.

She finished off her Badminton Horse Trials outfit with Fairfax & Favor platform trainers with the navy and denim chevrons. The best white trainers are equal parts comfortable and chic, and Zara Tindall’s gave her a small amount of elevation with the platform.

Until sandal season comes around, trainers are many people’s most-worn shoes and leather ones like hers are practical in unpredictable weather. If the King’s niece had gone for a different jacket, the rest of her outfit might have looked a little too relaxed for certain occasions, though the structured smartness of a boucle design works wonders.

It’s all about balance when it comes to finding the most wearable and put-together combinations and Zara Tindall knows this very well. Proportions are also worth considering closely. If your jeans have a looser leg shape, fitted, cropped jackets help accentuate the waist. When you’re styling fitted jeans, an oversized or waist-length jacket would be a great option.

This is the approach Zara has taken before when she’s been spotted out and about in jeans - which admittedly isn’t a huge amount! It just goes to show how much she genuinely loved this combination that she wore it last year to such a high-profile equestrian event.

Zara Tindall might have grown-up with Queen Elizabeth for a grandmother, but her idea of a great evening with her husband Mike is very down-to-earth. The couple attended the Beauty Awards late last year and although they were delighted to be out on the town, Mike admitted that their dream date night is actually a cosy night in.

"We are very low-key. This wouldn’t be our ideal date night," he told the Daily Mail at the time, adding that he and Zara love simply "food, telly and a glass of vino".

A quiet night at home is one of life’s simple pleasures and out of all the royal couples, Zara and Mike have definitely got a reputation as being one of the most laid-back. It makes sense that they like their date nights to be relaxed and unfussy too.

The couple are also said to enjoy a trip to the local pub on a Saturday night, with a source previously claiming that Princess Anne sometimes babysits. They added, "Mike and Zara are a real team, a strong family unit, genuinely still in love, they hold hands in public, and are the best company to be around."

Although the Tindalls regularly attend royal occasions like Christmas at Sandringham and Easter at Windsor Castle, not having official roles in The Firm has given them the freedom to do things their own way and be that bit more relaxed and open in public.

"What truly endears them to the public is their evident affection and wicked senses of humour," woman&home magazine’s Royal Correspondent Emily Andrews remarked in our March issue. "They are not afraid of public displays of affection or a bit of playful banter."

She believes their "family image" - they’re devoted parents to Mia (12), Lena (7) and Lucas (5) - has also "helped to preserve their normality". As Emily notes, Mike Tindall himself is the one who famously shared the news that his son was born on the bathroom floor of their Gatcombe Park home.

It’s hard to imagine any of the working royals sharing these kinds of revelations, or at least talking about them quite so candidly.

The retired rugby star told the story on his The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast and really set the scene, explaining Zara's friend Dolly "recognized that we wouldn't have got to the hospital in time, so it was run into the gym, get a mat, get into the bathroom, towels down, brace brace brace!"

He continued, "Fortunately the midwife who was going to meet us at the hospital wasn't that far away, so she drove up just as we had assumed the position and the second midwife arrived just after the head had arrived."

Lucas has just marked his fifth birthday and Mike and Zara will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary in July. The "low-key" couple have a very pragmatic approach to their relationship, with Zara saying at the Beauty Awards that her secret is accepting life’s ups and downs.

"We've been together for 21 years. Nothing runs smoothly ever. You've got to accept that in life. It's a work-in-progress [but] you've got to have fun," she declared.

In recent years we’ve really seen the royals embracing a uniform of sorts, with everyone from the Princess of Wales to Zara Tindall and Queen Letizia of Spain stepping out in an array of colourful suits. Now this season the trio have also been spotted reaching for the same type of shirt to go with their tailored staples - and it’s a 2026 trend.

Lightweight, elegant tops are something my spring capsule wardrobe is definitely lacking and Kate, Zara and Letizia have been showcasing the beauty of pussybow blouses. They’re often considered quite "proper" - which works for senior royals - though they also have a vintage feel.

The Princess of Wales has multiple in her collection and most recently wore a ruby-red sleeveless blouse with a tie-neck detail by ME+EM, though perhaps her most-worn is her pastel pink long-sleeved pussybow shirt.

Shop Pussybow Blouses

Blush pink is a big spring/summer fashion colour trend for 2026 and she’s worn her top with grey and burgundy coats and suits for a touch of contrast.

Zara Tindall also likes to go pretty minimal with the rest of her look when she’s styling a pussybow blouse and on Day 1 of this year’s Cheltenham, she wore a teal top with a deep navy wool co-ord by The Fold. To get the beautiful drape from the bow, these types of shirts or blouses tend to be crafted from flowy materials like satin or chiffon.

Keeping the rest of your outfit relatively neutral and structured can help to mellow the flounciness and ensure that it doesn’t become overpowering. Queen Letizia of Spain went for a plain ivory pussybow blouse with grey and brown checked wide-leg trousers on 11th March and took off her blazer for a slightly more casual look.

The feminine elegance of the royals’ go-to spring shirts makes them naturally smart, though you can easily dress them down more than Kate, Zara and Letizia do.

Denim would work so well with them, especially relaxed silhouettes like wide-leg, straight-leg or barrel-leg jeans where you could tuck the top in neatly to create a smart-casual outfit.

Both elements would balance each other and depending on how dressed-up or dressed-down you want to be, you could finish the look with white trainers or heeled boots. The neck ribbon on these shirts can also be different lengths or tied in different ways.

The Princess of Wales and Queen Letizia favour going for a long, draped bow whilst at Cheltenham Zara Tindall’s bow was shorter and crisper. This is how the late Princess Diana used to wear her pussybow blouses back in the day too. The shorter and tighter the bow, the more preppy the blouse tends to look so it ultimately depends what effect you prefer and what suits the occasion best.

Pussybow styles are making a comeback as a trend this season, so we’re surely going to see all three of these royals wearing several more before the end of the year. Pastel tones make these blouses feel even more spring-like and Kate in particular has plenty of shades to choose from.

Carole Middleton making her Cheltenham Festival debut on 11th March was exciting enough, but we were then treated to a royal reunion that will surely make you smile. The Princess of Wales is famously not an avid racing fan, so Carole didn’t enjoy Ladies Day with her daughter. Instead, she was pictured having a brilliant time with Zara and Mike Tindall and Princess Anne.

This new Cheltenham "Fab Four" aren’t a group you’d usually see together and so seeing their interactions was especially interesting - and a joy to witness. Carole was spotted arriving with the Tindalls and laughing and joking with Zara, before later joining them, Anne and Queen Camilla in the Royal Box to watch the races.

At one point, she even affectionately put her arm around Princess Anne - just a few weeks after her hilarious moment at the rugby involving a hug.

It’s clear that Carole Middleton was more than comfortable in this regal company and, more than that, enjoys a relationship with these royals that we’ve never really got to glimpse or appreciate before.

Carole and her husband Michael have understandably met King Charles and Queen Camilla plenty of times - they do after all share grandchildren. They couple have been at plenty of occasions where the whole family was there, from the coronation to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, and yet we never usually see them standing near Zara, Mike or Princess Anne.

The warmth between them at Cheltenham shows that the extended Royal Family have embraced Kate’s family with open arms and forged their own bonds with her parents. This was reportedly exactly what Prince William always wanted and had asked Queen Elizabeth to help with.

"The Queen knew how close not only Kate but William was to the Middletons and how important it was to keep them close and make them feel included," royal expert Katie Nicholl previously claimed. "William wanted them to be a part of the family and wanted the Queen to make them feel very welcomed."

The Prince of Wales is also said to have made a "direct request" for his wife’s family to be included in King Charles’s coronation. In his biography King Charles III: New King, New Court, The Inside Story, Robert Hardman quoted a source, who alleged that "having all of them there was very important to him".

Carole, Michael and Kate’s siblings James and Pippa were all at the coronation ceremony and they are surely going to be included in even more events in the future when Prince William and Prince George become monarchs.

His hopes that they would be "part of the family" have paid off already by the looks of it and the rest of the royals have followed the late Queen’s example.

To have the kinds of bonds we saw between Carole, Princess Anne, Zara and Mike at Cheltenham, it’s likely they spend time together behind the scenes, perhaps at events hosted by the Waleses. Thankfully for fans there will also likely be a few more instances where at the very least Carole and Zara cross paths again in public.

Royal Ascot is coming up in June and Zara Tindall and Carole Middleton have both attended that regularly in the past. This could mean we get to see even more brilliant moments between the royal women that showcase their friendship.

Wednesday was Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival, and the Royal Family were out in force to celebrate. Queen Camilla, Carole Middleton and Princess Anne all enjoyed a day at the races, but it was Zara Tindall who really caught my attention in her sophisticated burgundy outfit and grey checked coat.

Looking closely at her well-chosen accessories (bravo as always to her stylist Annie Miall), Zara's pretty pearl earrings complemented her ensemble perfectly. In fact, the pearl drop design is a versatile style that would work with any outfit, for every occasion.

They're by Hector Lion, and I was surprised to find that they cost £135, which feels very reasonable for royal-approved jewellery. The Princess of Wales has been wearing pearls a lot lately, proving they're very much on trend for 2026, plus I love the hammered gold metal stud detailing on Zara's style.

Shop pearl earrings

Zara's coat is a bespoke design by Katherine Hooker, which she wore with a hat by Juliette Botterill Millinery. Her bag and boots are Royal Family favourite Fairfax & Favor, and her leather skirt is a beautiful piece by The Fold.

Complete the look

woman&home's Royal Editor Emma Shacklock tells me: "Zara Tindall isn’t a working royal and although her style is always elegant, we can see how she enjoys pushing more fashion boundaries and having fun with her style.

"Her Cheltenham earrings are a fabulous mix of timelessness and modernity with the pearl and gold detailing. They’re wearable enough for everyday but still bring some glamour, and that pretty much sums up her approach to fashion in general."

Zara and Mike Tindall weren’t about to miss Day 1 of this year’s Cheltenham Festival and, sure enough, we saw the couple enjoying the races in their finery. Zara Tindall’s cropped coat and teal blouse were a gorgeous combination for a chilly March day and her husband was dapper in a flat cap, shirt and trousers.

However, it wasn’t just their outfits but their body language that struck me as they watched the racing throughout the day. Zara and Mike strolled around Cheltenham Racecourse holding hands and though it seems such a small thing, it’s actually very rare for the royals to do this.

It doesn’t matter whether they’re at Wimbledon or an official visit, we never really see the Prince and Princess of Wales holding hands and this was apparently one of Queen Elizabeth’s "traditional" protocols.

According to body language expert Darren Stanton, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip also didn’t display this kind of affection in public and their approach could be inspiring the Prince and Princess of Wales in particular.

He previously told Fabulous, "Kate and William play a very important role in the Royal family now as the Prince and Princess of Wales. As they are next in line to the throne and are preparing to become King and Queen themselves one day, they use and follow the traditional royal protocols of the late Queen."

Other royals like Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward also observe this custom, though Zara and Mike aren’t working royals and so have more freedom to move away from traditions like this and take a modern approach.

They don’t shy away from physical touch and their warmth with each other also showcases their relaxed personalities and forges a connection with people.

"What truly endears them to the public is their evident affection and wicked senses of humour," woman&home magazine’s Royal Correspondent Emily Andrews said in our March issue. "They are not afraid of public displays of affection or a bit of playful banter."

She described Mike’s royal episode of his The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast as "one of the most humanising and relaxed royal interviews ever". Speaking with Princess Anne, Prince William and Kate at Windsor Castle, Mike showed them as a "funny, engaged and distinctly down-to-earth unit" who might "all jump on the family WhatsApp group to chat and exchange jokes".

Zara and Mike Tindall feel inherently like a couple who are pretty much the same behind closed doors as they are when we see them out and about - and their hand-holding at Cheltenham signalled this once again. As an avid racing fan, Zara is usually there every day of the festival though it’s lovely to see her joined by Mike for Day 1.

The couple will be celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary in July and they’ve been together for over two decades. Asked about her secret to a happy marriage at the 2025 Beauty Awards, the King’s niece had some very heart-warming and realistic advice.

"We've been together for 21 years,' Zara said. "Nothing runs smoothly ever. You've got to accept that in life. It's a work-in-progress [but] you've got to have fun."

Just when we thought spring had sprung, March has brought us back down to earth with grey skies and scattered showers. That makes outfits even trickier and yet, once again, Zara Tindall has found a combination that's practical and elegant.

She kicked off Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival in a navy, black and teal outfit that might have looked very wintery at first glance, but is actually perfect for this season. Zara dressed warmly in a navy blue wool co-ord from The Fold consisting of an A-line Ellingham midi skirt and a cropped jacket.

Wool is cosy whilst also being breathable and so natural fabrics like this are a clever choice when it could be warm one minute and chilly the next. The coat is a particularly beautiful piece and if you're looking for a jacket to add to your spring capsule wardrobe that isn't a trench coat, why not go for something pea-length like this?

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We don't need quite as much coverage as we did in winter and a shorter coat or jacket can accentuate the waist in such a chic way. They work exceptionally well with high-rise jeans, trousers and skirts because the hem meets the waistbands so neatly.

Zara Tindall's cropped jacket also looked great with her longer skirt, providing definition and structure that contrasted against the flowing silhouette. The statement lapels and puffed sleeves helped with this too and she also added a slim belt for extra shaping.

We've seen the royals do this a lot with their longline tailored coats, but this trick also works for shorter designs and the King's niece wore her jacket and skirt with a satin pussybow blouse. The sheen of the material felt so glamorous and although teal isn't a big spring/summer fashion colour trend, it's perfect for this time of year.

Sometimes in March and even April we find ourselves drawn back to wintery accessories and knitwear, and teal is deep enough to work with darker tones like black, navy and brown and can still complement paler hues like white, cream and camel. This makes the blue and green blend very versatile and Zara Tindall mirrored the teal of her blouse with a leaf-adorned headpiece and drop earrings.

She chose accessories by two of her go-to British brands, Aspinal and Fairfax & Favor, and her Peacock Ombre Midi Mayfair bag was a similar colour. The equestrian royal carried it by the top handle strap though it also comes with a golden chain, and she finished off her Cheltenham Day 1 ensemble with Fairfax & Favor Regina black suede boots.

Having the teal elements helped to lift the colour palette of the look and make it more springlike, even when styled with winter boots. As she was spending the day at the races, Zara's outfit was unsurprisingly quite formal.

To make a shorter coat and/or teal shirt more wearable day-to-day, you could pair them with your favourite blue jeans and trainers or loafers instead. Pieces like Zara Tindall's are naturally quite polished so you can easily lean into this or dress them down. She has another three days of Cheltenham 2026 to dress for and although her other outfits will be different, they'll probably also strike a good balance between elegance and functionality.

We all have those pieces we rely on and Zara Tindall’s got a dependable trio of accessories that will complement pretty much any summery outfit. She wore a pair of comfy wedges with sunglasses and an Aspinal bag to Wimbledon in 2023 and it’s still inspiring us years later.

Stepping out on Day 10 of that year’s championships, the King’s niece wore a striped midi dress and coordinated her tan accessories to create a put-together feel. They’re the kind of designs that can be mixed and matched with so many different looks and blended raffia and smooth leather textures.

Zara’s Aspinal Camera bag would be indispensable in a spring capsule wardrobe and for summer too, as it’s the perfect size and shape to fit your essentials in without being overly heavy or bulky.

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She wore it draped over one shoulder for her day at the tennis, though it can also be carried crossbody to leave you fully handsfree. The raffia detailing tied in with the jute on her wedges, adding even more cohesion.

The royals regularly reach for espadrille wedges in the warmer months as they provide elevation without compromising on comfort like you often have to with delicate stilettos. This makes them an especially great choice when you’re going to be outdoors walking across grass and the woven jute is inherently summery and a little more casual.

The leather straps running over Zara Tindall’s feet and around her ankle helped to keep her shoes secure and I’d recommend going for styles with buckles instead of tie-up designs if you want to be sure of this. They’re also just a bit more fuss-free, as once you’ve got them tightened you generally won’t need to adjust them throughout the day.

Zara’s choice of tan accessories was a clever way to warm up the black and white pinstripes on her shirtdress too. Neutral bags and shoes are simplest to style and whilst black can look a bit stark against pastels or bright colours, tan is a softer alternative.

It’ll complement the spring/summer fashion colour trends and also looks wonderful with the palest hues like white or cream. Imagine Zara Tindall’s crossbody bag and wedges with a classic little white dress? This would look so beautiful and we can’t forget the final item in her reliable summer trio - sunglasses.

They fulfil a practical function, of course, but it’s amazing how much of a difference shades can make style-wise too.

Princess Anne’s daughter owns several pairs and at Wimbledon in 2023 she went for round ones with almost transparent tortoiseshell frames. The lenses were brown and so they worked well with her shoes and bag and brought the whole look together.

Zara's entire look demonstrates just how important accessories truly are and her crossbody bag, wedges and sunnies are something that could go with a smart ensemble like this as well as with jeans and a T-shirt. The combinations are endless and that’s the benefit of going for timeless designs and pared-back colours like she does.

This favourite from our archives has been fully reviewed and updated for 2026. It remains part of our "Best Of" collection, ensuring our readers always have access to our most trusted and relevant insights.

When you stop and think about it, we very rarely see members of the Royal Family eating in public and perhaps this is why it’s always so intriguing to hear them talking about their favourite treats or cooking abilities. We know that the Princess of Wales loves spicy food, whilst Queen Camilla makes fresh dishes like fish en papillote.

Like a lot of people, it sounds like they take more time cooking dinner than lunch and Zara Tindall’s everyday lunches are ultra speedy. Speaking to Sunday Times in 2015, the equestrian revealed that she has two options that are equally unfussy.

"Lunch is quick and simple, like soup and a sandwich, or eggs on toast," she said. "I don’t diet but I try to eat well, and not eat too many carbohydrates, or sugary things."

No matter how Zara cooks her eggs or what she puts in her sandwich day-to-day, these two lunches take very little time to prepare. They’re also very nutritionally balanced and require a minimal amount of ingredients which is always a bonus.

As a busy mum-of-three and a professional equestrian these two meals tick all the boxes for Zara Tindall and are a lot more filling than her mum Princess Anne’s reported go-to. According to Robert Hardman’s Queen Of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II, Zara allegedly revealed her mother "always has a kiwi fruit" with her.

The book went on to suggest that Princess Anne apparently often prefers to pull out a kiwi from her handbag and eat that rather than having lunch. Zara’s uncle King Charles also famously didn’t use to eat a full lunch either, preferring to work through instead so this seems to be a trait shared by the hard-working siblings.

Since welcoming her children Mia, Lena and Lucas, Zara Tindall has switched up her diet slightly, with her husband Mike revealing in 2022 that she’s "not into eating red meat" anymore so they often have different evening meals. When they did eat the same thing together she explained that "something healthy, like fish and vegetables" would often be on the menu.

Her late grandmother Queen Elizabeth would’ve approved of this. She also loved fresh, simple dishes when she was eating alone and is believed to have generally avoided starch-heavy foods like pasta, potatoes or rice. Fish was a favourite of hers and when she was feeling indulgent she would enjoy a "more refined" version of fish and chips.

Former palace chef Darren McGrady has said in the past that traditional battered fish "was a little bit too much" for Her Majesty. Instead, he’d breadcrumb the fish and bake it, before serving it with a stack of neat chips and Hollandaise rather than tartar sauce.

This does sound delicious, but Queen Camilla likes this British dish to be served in a way many people will be far more familiar with. In an interview with her son, food critic and writer Tom Parker Bowles, for You magazine, the Queen said she enjoys "freshly cooked fish and chips, wrapped in paper" and thinks "you cannot beat" it when it’s done properly.

After months of wearing knitwear and thick coats, the transition from winter to spring styling is so exciting that we can often get a bit carried away. The weather is often still pretty cold and Zara Tindall knows this all-too well as she is a loyal attendee of Cheltenham Festival every March.

Day after day she steps out looking elegant whilst still being warm and she does this every time she's at the races. Two items she particularly loves make all the difference and they’re from a British clothing brand that's known for their timeless designs.

Zara became a Fairfax & Favor ambassador last year but she’s been a fan for ages and owns their Frances suede trench coat in tan and in olive green. The mahogany leather Regina boots are another staple she wouldn’t be without and both have been worn to Cheltenham before.

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The suede trench is ultra-luxurious and something that will never go out of style, which is exactly what you want from an investment item. It’s crafted with a reversible suede and leather belt with an antique brass buckle and leather-lined epaulettes.

The silhouette is double-breasted and the tan tone is so versatile, whilst the olive green one Zara owns is beautiful and requires a little more styling consideration. She’s worn the green to Cheltenham Festival before and the tan trench to Cheltenham’s Christmas meeting.

Both are a lovely alternative to a wool coat, puffer or cotton trench coat and suede has surged in popularity in recent months, meaning there are also plenty of slightly more affordable options to be found right now.

Warm neutral shades like brown, tan or camel accentuate the softness of the fabric and also work well with pastels and lighter hues as we move into spring. Zara Tindall’s beloved Fairfax & Favor Regina boots are a deep mahogany brown and, like her tan suede coat, can be worn with pretty much any outfit.

She loves styling them with burgundy and navy looks and they have a chunky block heel, though there are also mid-height and flat versions. For a day at the races, a heeled boot is a smarter option and adds elevation.

From a practical perspective, knee-high boots also keep you cosy as they cover half of your leg, so I won’t be packing mine away until mid-spring. They’re also very leg-elongating and work with everything from skinny jeans and leggings to flowy midi dresses, so you can dress them up or down pretty easily.

Zara gets a lot of use out of hers and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see her wear them - and one or both of her suede trench coats - this year. Items like these allow you to embrace transitional seasonal styling whilst still being realistic about the weather and staying warm - something that is totally in-keeping with her approach to fashion.

Last year the royal explained that her “number one style tip” for dressing for Cheltenham was to “create a balance between elegance and practicality."

"Choose a classic, tailored outfit, but make sure to incorporate layers and weather-appropriate accessories. For me, it’s about what works and feels good to wear," she declared.

Zara Tindall has always had an eye for chic outerwear and as we move slowly towards spring, her sleek trench coat is the perfect partner for so many outfits. The best trench coats are neutral and timeless, so you can throw them on with everything from jeans and jumpers to dresses depending on the occasion.

The King’s niece once wore a cream trench to Cheltenham Festival in 2010 styled with knee-high boots and dark tights. The contrasting colours made her light coat stand out and the detailing was beautiful.

It was double-breasted and fastened right up to the top with black buttons, with a neat collar and epaulettes on the shoulders. The sleeves had buttoned tabs on them too and the design at the front was subtly asymmetrical.

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Tan trenches are always popular and black coats naturally disguise marks the best, yet there’s something to be said for a pale hue like Zara’s. A soft beige, cream or ecru trench is even more versatile and would complement so many of the pastels that are big spring/summer fashion colour trends.

Darker coats can often look too stark against these shades which can limit the amount of wear you can get out of them in the warmer months when lighter and brighter colours become many people’s go-tos. Regardless what tone you go for, a trench coat is such a handy staple.

Zara Tindall showed how smart and sophisticated they look thanks to their structured silhouette and they’re more lightweight than a classic winter coat. She wore hers in March and to this day continues to wear trenches, often the suede Frances ones from Fairfax & Favor, to Cheltenham.

They instantly elevate your ensemble and back in 2010 Zara went quite edgy with her mini skirt and fold-over boots, so the coat was a clever addition to balance things. If you’ve never been sure how to style a trench coat then the good news is that they also look very elegant with jeans.

Many people would count jeans amongst their most-worn items which makes outfit pairings for trenches a little easier. Midi skirts and dresses are a lovely alternative, but it’s worth putting some careful consideration into lengths. When the trench lines up with the hemline or drapes over it, it’s so leg-elongating, whilst cropped styles can sit at the waistband.

Zara Tindall’s coat finished just below her skirt and she tied the look together with dark sunglasses, hoop earrings and a two-tone cream and brown bag. Back in March 2010 the royal had shoulder-length blonde hair and she wore it loose to the races, though nowadays she’s loyal to her bob hairstyle.

I can’t necessarily imagine her attending Cheltenham in 2026 wearing those particular boots, earrings or bag as her style has gently evolved since then. It’s a testament to the timelessness of a trench coat, though, that this is one piece that Zara could wear now and it would still feel very in-fashion.

It was made abundantly clear when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals that there’s no such thing as half-in, half-out of the Royal Family when you’re a working member. Non-working royals like Zara Tindall have to tread a different path from the beginning and she forged an equestrian career and is still included in royal occasions.

She and her husband Mike took Australia by storm when they returned once again this month for the Magic Millions Carnival and woman&home magazine’s royal correspondent Emily Andrews believes the couple have nailed the "royal balancing act".

Writing in our March issue, which is on sale now, she noted that the Tindalls "honour the monarchy, and maintain close bonds with the likes of William and Kate, all while raising thousands for charity" and "paying their own way".

Because of who they are in the sporting world, Emily believes that Zara and Mike are able to "enjoy successful media and money-making opportunities". However, "their glamour, modernity and, crucially, loyalty to their royal relations bestow a positive glow back on to the Firm".

There’s much that could have been said by Zara and Mike over the past few years as their royal relatives regularly made the news. Perhaps the closest the Olympic silver medallist has come to commenting on any drama within the Royal Family is when she spoke of "struggles" at the London Sporting Club lunch last year.

"It is very hard to see from the outside but, 100%, it is a family that is still going through the same struggles other people do. Whether they are relationships, obviously it is very easy to see every day," she is understood to have said.

Her remarks came just a few days after her cousin Prince Harry famously told the BBC in an interview, "There have been so many disagreements between myself and some of my family", before going on to say he would "love" a reconciliation and there’s "no point continuing to fight".

A year earlier, both Zara’s uncle King Charles and her cousin-in-law the Princess of Wales had also made their respective cancer diagnoses public. The Royal Family have been through a lot and the Tindalls’ "loyalty" and down-to-earth qualities have been nothing but a credit.

Despite not being a working royal herself, Princess Anne’s daughter stepped up to support Prince William at a royal garden party in May 2024 and she’s been a fixture at Christmases at Sandringham and Easters as Windsor.

Outside of royal occasions, Zara and Mike tend to focus on attending sporting events which they have genuine passions for. They attract the royal buzz without making major waves or being bound by protocol in the same way, which is surely quite freeing. Not having titles of their own might also help when it comes to their "balancing act" as they’re often seen as individuals first, and royals after.

Mike has previously said he would turn down a title if offered one and Princess Anne did this on Zara and her brother Peter’s behalf from the start. Not that either of them mind!

"I think it made us fight harder," Zara said in the 2020 documentary, Anne: The Princess Royal at 70. "To try and be as successful as we could be. So I definitely, you know, we’re very grateful to not [have] a title anyway."

Read Emily Andrews’ full article in woman&home’s March issue, on sale now.

After days in Australia soaking up the sunshine and inspiring us all with her summery outfits, Zara Tindall is back on British soil and reaching for her winter staples. Thankfully right now we don’t need to be worrying about what to wear in the snow, though putting together elegant and warm outfits is also tricky.

The equestrian royal is an expert at this and she used a simple trick at Cheltenham racecourse on 24th January to jazz up a plain navy coat. Zara has worn this Fold London Finchley coat before but you might not recognise it because she switched up the design with the addition of a faux fur collar scarf and wrist-warmers.

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Both are made by one of the best British clothing brands, Helen Moore, and she chose the indigo shades to match her outerwear. You'd never have known the faux fur details weren’t part of the coat and they brought another level of sophistication to her look.

Faux fur naturally feels glamorous and incorporating textural contrast into your layer-heavy winter outfits is a simple way to make each piece stand out more. The neckline of Zara Tindall’s coat is collarless and this meant that her scarf draped seamlessly over the top, though depending on the size or style, you can also wear similar designs with collared coats.

It just might be that the lapels aren’t entirely covered by the scarf but that can look pretty too. The Royal Family colour-match their outfits all the time so it’s no surprise that Zara went for a scarf and wrist-warmers that tied in with each other, and with the coat, for a sense of cohesion.

"To emulate her look, try either picking a coordinating or clashing collar and cuffs attachment for either a demure or maximalist approach (whichever suits your mood)," suggests woman&home's Digital Fashion Editor Rivkie Baum. "We have seen lots of faux fur cuffed jumpers too this season, so don't save this look just for outerwear, try them on your favourite rollneck knit too."

Neutral tones like navy, black, brown or camel are the most versatile and can work with so many different coat colours. For a more subtle take on Zara’s trick, go for just the scarf or else a pair of gloves which have a faux fur trim.

Opting for these additions means you can change how your favourite coats look in minutes, rather than investing in a design which already has a faux fur collar or cuffs which restricts when or where you can wear them. After all, this style isn’t necessarily what you’d want for very casual outings or for rainy weather.

Zara Tindall owns the stunning LK Bennett Lottie Coat which has a fluffy collar and cuffs, but she’s only been spotted wearing it a couple of times, perhaps for these reasons. For this outing to Cheltenham for the Festival Trials Day, the King’s niece brought out her Aspinal quilted Lottie bag in navy, her Aspinal cashmere lined gloves and her knee-high boots from Fairfax & Favor.

She’s had the black suede Fitzrovia heeled boots for a while and other than her Camilla Millinery headband they were the only part of her ensemble that wasn’t navy. The headpiece was bright turquoise and this lifted the dark colour palette and brought some extra dimension.

There are many royal outfits that only really get brought out for ultra formal occasions, but others strike the perfect balance between being smart and wearable. As a non-working royal, Zara Tindall nails this second style all the time and as soon as I laid eyes on her bubblegum-pink midi dress, I knew this wouldn’t be a one hit wonder look.

She’s been out in Australia for the Magic Millions Carnival and dazzled in a Broderie Anglaise frock for the Raceday at Gold Coast Turf Club. When Zara’s at home in the UK she’s loyal to some of the best British clothing brands like Fairfax & Favor and LK Bennett, but she loves championing Australian designers when she’s there.

This pink dress was by Rebecca Vallance and one of the reasons I suspect this will be a 2026 go-to frock for Zara is how many times she’s re-worn her pieces to events.

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These dresses are staples in her collection and the Kitsu High-Neck Midi Dress is a new-season style that oozes femininity. The neckline is adorned with rose detailing and the short puffed sleeves and hemline are scallop-trimmed.

As it’s made from cotton, it’s also very breathable and this would make it an excellent choice for Zara to wear to summer occasions like Ascot or royal Garden Parties. The bright pink tone won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, though it brings a sense of fun.

Blush pink is a big spring/summer fashion colour trend for 2026 if you’re looking for something more understated. Broderie Anglaise designs like this are always popular in the warmer months and the delicate cut-outs elevate simple silhouettes into something more formal.

Before long we’ll be in wedding season again and a dress like Zara’s would be the perfect wedding guest outfit and something you could easily wear again to different occasions. For the Magic Millions Raceday, the King’s niece paired her frock with metallic court shoe heels, a cream Aspinal Mayfair 2 clutch and a wide-brimmed hat.

Her square-frame sunglasses finished off the ensemble and the royals’ way of styling bright colours shouldn’t be underestimated. They’re the pros when it comes to making vivid tones look elegant and their trick is keeping the rest of the outfit minimal.

If they’re wearing a bold dress, nine times out of ten their bags, shoes and jacket will be neutral which helps to balance things. Metallics seem like they’re statement, yet gold or silver accessories go with just as much as white, black or brown and add a bit more glamour if you’re attending a special event.

When she’s wearing pink, Zara Tindall favours white, very pale pink or metallic accessories and we’ve seen this before at occasions such as Easter in 2023 when she wore a fuchsia long-sleeved dress with a pastel pink hat, bag and shoes. In Australia the feel of her outfit was slightly more casual and her husband Mike even coordinated his pocket square to her dress.

The couple looked to be thoroughly enjoying the Magic Millions Raceday on 17th January and the carnival ended on 19th January. This means they might be back in the UK very soon but if my prediction comes true, this won’t be the last we see of Zara’s bubblegum-pink dress.

Spring can’t come fast enough right now and instead of worrying about what to wear in the snow, I’d much rather be thinking about outfits for the upcoming season. This might have been influenced by seeing Zara Tindall’s latest trip too, as she’s once again jetted off to the sunshine of Australia’s Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Carnival.

We’ve only seen a few outfits so far, but looking back at her style last year there’s one that sticks out. The King’s niece enjoyed a shopping trip at Pacific Fair wearing a Scanlan Theodore midi dress and Aspinal bag.

Anyone who’s skeptical about reports of the careful planning that goes into each royal outfit only needs to look at Zara’s choice of brands here. Scanlan Theodore is Australian-founded and Aspinal is British and known for its high-quality accessories.

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The dress had a rounded neckline, puffed sleeves and delicate pleats in the skirt that led down into a frill. Unusually for the royals, Zara Tindall went for a dress that featured a back cut-out and it had a tie detail in the middle that she secured in a bow.

In the hot Australian weather this was a great design feature, and the higher neckline helped to balance it out. The blue and white floral pattern brought dimension and whilst botanical prints aren’t revolutionary, they’re beautiful and easy to style.

The cerulean blue base shade of the royal’s 2025 dress is also coincidentally one of the biggest spring/summer fashion colour trends for 2026. For accessories you could go with pretty much any neutral hue with a blue and white floral dress like Zara’s, but I think white or tan pair the best and she chose her beloved Aspinal Camera ‘A’ Bag.

This exact style isn’t available anymore, though the brand still makes the Camera Bag in tan pebbled leather without the A. If anything, I think this makes it more versatile and a crossbody handbag is perfect for when you’re out and about, like Zara was at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

They’re roomy enough for your essentials without being bulky and they mean you can be completely hands-free. Crossbody bags also feel a little more relaxed than top-handle or clutches, which are staples in the Princess of Wales’s handbag collection.

Zara Tindall’s shopping trip ensemble was completed with square-lens sunglasses, some dainty hoop earrings and tan sandals. She looked put-together and comfortable in the Australian heat and something like this is not only easy to recreate ourselves when spring finally arrives, but also not so summery that you’d pretty much need to be on holiday to wear it.

It’s also a little more casual than the floral dress and heeled espadrilles she wore during this year’s Magic Millions Carnival. Zara and her husband Mike are Magic Millions Ambassadors and the carnival has a programme of different events including racing and entertainment.

Nothing beats the winter blues like jetting off on a sunny getaway, and this is exactly what Zara Tindall does in January as she heads Down Under for the Magic Millions horse-racing events. Whilst we’re wrapping up warm and wondering what to wear in the snow (if it returns!), she’s been stepping out in some sensational warm-weather outfits.

You might not have a holiday planned at the moment, but even if you’re looking ahead to spring, Zara is a great source of style inspiration - and her floral midi and espadrilles would work at home or abroad. She and her husband Mike hit the beach as this year’s racing kicked off, and the equestrian royal wore a flowy floral midi by Aje.

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Whilst she frequently champions the best British clothing brands when she's in the UK, Zara is known for flying the flag for Australian fashion on the Gold Coast and this dress was a classic shirt-style frock. It featured a neat collar, short sleeves and a tie belt that added extra definition to the waist.

Utility pockets on the bodice were a fun way to balance the femininity of the botanical print. Pops of yellow, blue and dusty pink really popped against the white background and the watercolour design gave the dress a dreamy, subtle quality. My winter capsule wardrobe is full of knitwear and layering pieces, but as warmer days tentatively edge nearer, this kind of outfit is what I’m eager to wear.

It’s not so lightweight that you could only style it in truly scorching temperatures and with the addition of a blazer or suede jacket, this would be beautiful. In Australia, the King’s niece could embrace summery style pairings and reached for espadrille wedges.

They’re a go-to shoe option for so many royals in spring/summer and these ones were the same Tommy Hilfiger design Zara wore to the polo last year. They won’t be everyone’s idea of beach attire because of the heel height, though if you weren’t walking on sand, espadrilles like this are a lovely stiletto alternative.

A block heel is sturdier and if you choose a pair with an ankle strap like Zara’s, you feel extra secure in them. Wedge designs are another great option and the jute material of espadrilles brings an instant relaxed, summery feel to an ensemble.

She coordinated her handbag to her shoes, going for a textured clutch with a handy top handle strap. A pale cream hat and a pair of drop earrings completed Zara’s beachy outfit and with a change of headwear to something more formal, she could easily re-wear this look to events in the royal calendar like Ascot in June or Wimbledon in July.

The hat and comfy platform espadrilles might also get several more chances to shine during Zara and Mike’s time in Queensland. They are Magic Millions Ambassadors and are typically there for most of the Magic Millions Carnival.

Already, the royal will take home the Polo trophy for team Pommery Champagne and she took to the saddle in the Magic Millions Queensland Off-The-Track Cup. The couple are also set to sell four yearlings and attend the TAB Magic Millions Barrier Draw.

Now that we don’t have the festive season to look forward to, the dark days and cold weather can really instill some winter blues and get us dreaming of holidays. Instead of wondering what to wear in the snow brought by Storm Goretti, we can get excited by the idea of summer outfits and Zara Tindall is a connoisseur in winter sun styling.

Every January for several years now she and her husband Mike head to Australia for Magic Millions events. Zara is Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women and in 2019 she hit the beach for the official draw wearing jeans, a flowy blouse and trainers.

This is a warm weather version of winter whites and a lovely option if you’re heading abroad somewhere that isn’t scorching hot this time of year. White jeans outfits can be tricky and this colour has a reputation for being less forgiving.

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However, it also feels more formal than your classic blue washes so white jeans are perfect as a day-to-night or smart-casual option. They can look more like trousers, especially depending on what shape you choose.

Zara Tindall’s jeans were a streamlined skinny cut, though you could go for straight-leg if you wanted something more relaxed or wide-leg for extra comfort. Because she went so sleek with her jeans, the King’s niece chose a flowy top.

Instead of tucking in her white blouse, she draped it over the top of her jeans for a breezy feel. It was collarless and sleeveless, with a tunic-style neckline and delicate buttons running down the front.

This kind of design works well if you want to feel cool but still relatively covered up in the sunshine and a short-sleeved white shirt would be lovely too. Completing Zara’s look was a pair of simple white trainers.

Sports shoes wouldn’t be everyone’s first choice of footwear for the beach but since she was working at the time it makes sense that she didn’t step out in flip flops or sandals. Trainers provide support and sticking to all-white meant Zara’s outfit felt cohesive and minimal.

The only pop of colour was her sunglasses, which were mottled tortoiseshell. Just like brown clothing is a softer alternative to black, so are brown sunglasses and this makes them incredibly versatile.

The warm tones complement paler neutrals like white and cream, and the royal’s sunnies added texture and dimension to her look. With her short blonde hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, Zara was ready to enjoy the Gold Coast sunshine and an outfit like this is such an easy one to take inspiration from for your own winter breaks.

She and Mike have already landed in Australia ready for this year’s Magic Millions events and it’s possible we could see her recreate a similar style over the next twelve days. We should also expect to see some fabulous dresses and heels from Zara when she attends some of the more formal events.

Zara Tindall kicked off the New Year in style as she stepped out with her husband, Mike Tindall, and their three children at the Cheltenham New Year's Day races. It was her coat which immediately caught our eye, as it was a very similar checked pattern to the one the Princess of Wales wore on Christmas Day.

Zara opted for L'agence’s brown plaid kolina long coat and its sleek, longline silhouette and heritage check design was the perfect choice for the event. Warm, cosy and utterly sophisticated, she paired the coat with complementary rich brown tones and opted for a satin midi skirt, turtleneck jumper and a pair of knee high boots, all in the same chocolate colour.

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We might be optimistically dreaming of spring already, but, for now, warm winter pieces are a necessity and her elegant approach to cold-weather styling is one we’re bookmarking for future reference. The chocolate-brown tone, which is still perfectly on trend after taking off as one of autumn/winter’s biggest colour trends for 2025, is exactly the type of rich, luxurious shade we want to be wearing post-festive season.

And we have to talk about her L'agence coat! Long, with a beautifully tailored silhouette, it feels sophisticated and still gives plenty of coverage for a chilly day. The checked pattern adds a traditional edge and feels a little more exciting than a block colour design, though given it's primarily neutral, it's still simple to style.

The brown hues are spliced by pops of blue and muted orange, bring a striking, heritage-inspired feel to her look.

A blue headband and pair of leather gloves finished off the look and Zara’s hair accessory was a beautiful contrast. Especially thanks to its soft, velvet texture, the headpiece was the perfect accessory to create an occasion-ready look without feeling overly dressy for the relatively laid-back race.

The family were spotted enjoying themselves in the Royal Box of Cheltenham Racecourse's Princess Royal Stand, which was named in honour of Zara’s mother, Princess Anne. Anne has held the title of the Princess Royal for over 37 years, though she was not in attendance at the races today.

Still, there was plenty to enjoy and Zara’s three children, Mia, 11, Lena, seven, and Lucas, four, were all smiles as they watched on from the Royal box – though Zara was snapped having a few words with Lucas when he was caught swinging from the railings of the balcony.

Zara Tindall looked like she was thoroughly enjoying this family day out and was warm and fashionable in equal measure. Especially with The Traitors coming back to our screens, and thus Claudia Winkleman’s country-inspired outfits bringing back that heritage look, this style of plaid, calf-grazing coat is sure to be a huge trend for the coming months - and now it's been Royal-approved, we're certainly going to be trying it out.

There are some winter outfit pairings I rely on every year when I want to look put-together and Zara Tindall just stepped out wearing one of them. She ditched festive red and green and went for an understated neutral outfit on Day 1 of the Christmas Meet at Cheltenham, incorporating a navy leather midi skirt and matching roll-neck.

I have three long leather skirts in my winter capsule wardrobe and I think the length makes them easier to style and mellows the edginess. As Zara proved, they look elegant when worn with a long coat and a knit tucked in.

Her skirt was panelled and A-line, though pencil skirts are an autumn/winter fashion trend so other silhouettes are also widely available right now. The smooth leather was a lovely contrast against her knitwear and different textures give a layered look more dimension.

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The King’s niece matched her jumper to her skirt for a cohesive, put-together finish. It meant that the two items flowed together as one outfit and balanced out the statement skirt, but I often wear my leather midis with black or white jumpers too.

If you love bright colours, go for a contrasting knit to make the tones really pop. I’d advise going more neutral with the skirt itself as the leather or faux leather is already quite bold, or else picking a colour that you know you wear a lot.

I have black, brown and forest green skirts and Zara is known for being a big fan of blue in general so hers was a clever choice. She paired her jumper and midi with knee-high boots that look like they could be the Fairfax & Favor heeled Regina boots in mahogany leather.

Styling knee-high boots with longer skirts and coats is a brilliant way to elongate your frame and create a flowing, seamless silhouette. As much as suede boots are beautiful, it makes sense Zara Tindall went for durable leather for a day outdoors at Cheltenham.

The soft brown colour complemented the deep navy skirt and jumper, as well as her LK Bennett heritage check coat. This Dakota coat is currently in the sale and is single-breasted and crafted from warm yet breathable wool.

It’s got a smart design featuring lapels and handy front pockets. Zara could easily have gone for a blue coat to tie in with the rest of her ensemble, though this lifted the colour palette and is a piece she could mix and match with so many different outfits.

The royal accessorised with a crossbody bag and a navy Camilla Rose Millinery headpiece. Her Cheltenham looks are always worth checking out for styling inspiration and this one in particular stood out to me because of how easy to replicate it was.

The leather skirt and jumper combination would work as a date night outfit, for Christmas day or any other smart-casual occasion in the colder months. It’s not specifically seasonal and once you know what jumpers you like wearing with your skirt best, it becomes a uniform of sorts.

When Cheltenham Festival returns in March 2026 I’ll be keeping an eye out to see if Zara Tindall re-wears these pieces, as she does like repeating her favourite race-day outfits.

Now December is finally here, the Christmas countdown is on and there are two big royal moments coming up this month. The first is the Princess of Wales’s annual Together at Christmas carol service and the second is Christmas Day itself when the royals walk together from Sandringham House to church in their festive finery.

Zara Tindall is said to have recently confirmed she and her husband Mike Tindall will be attending both this year. She described celebrating in Norfolk as "always amazing" and last year Zara made a confession about another royal Christmas Day tradition.

"We give presents to each other on Christmas Eve," She reportedly explained at the Battle of Commentators charity lunch, adding, "As adults, we still have stockings on Christmas Day".

When asked if her late grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, used to have stockings too, Zara is said to have replied, "of course". It’s hard to imagine royals like Queen Elizabeth, King Charles or Prince William sitting down on Christmas Day to open their stockings and yet this tradition seems to be for everyone, regardless of age.

It’s also a lovely custom to share with their own children, especially as - like Zara mentioned - the royals open their gifts on Christmas Eve. This is thought to be a nod to their German heritage, as in Germany and much of Europe, the big present-opening day is the 24th December.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously suggested that the Prince and Princess of Wales might keep some presents to open on Christmas Day at Anmer Hall before heading to the main house.

She suspects when William and Catherine are King and Queen "a lot of traditions will change - and the exchange of presents on Christmas Eve may well be one of them". But for now this remains the royal way, and by upholding the stocking tradition for the adults as well as the children, they all get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Stockings are also usually filled with little things and this suits the royals, who typically buy each other inexpensive, funny presents over lavish ones. Previous gifts famously range from a leather toilet seat Princess Anne gave King Charles to William’s present for Queen Elizabeth of slippers with her face on them.

Finding the perfect gift for the late Queen can’t have been easy and the Princess of Wales went down a different route for her first Christmas at Sandringham.

"I thought back to what I would give my own grandparents. And I thought, 'I'll make her something.' Which could have gone horribly wrong. But I decided to make my granny's recipe of chutney," the Princess shared in a documentary in 2016.

It went down well with Queen Elizabeth, with Catherine adding, "I noticed the next day that it was on the table. I think such a simple gesture went such a long way for me."

She and Prince William are expected to spend Christmas in Norfolk again this year, with King Charles and Queen Camilla hosting the wider family as usual. Zara and Mike will be there with their children Mia, Lena and Lucas, who get on incredibly well with the Wales kids, and I’m anticipating some adorable interactions on Christmas Day.

The last four Together at Christmas carol services have given us some great party-wear inspiration over the years as the royals attend en masse in their festive finery. Some of their formal looks are more memorable - and wearable - than others and Zara Tindall’s velvet suit from last year definitely gets points for both.

Her double-breasted blazer and wide-leg trousers were by Veronica Beard and she went without a coat which allowed us to really admire them. Both pieces were a sumptuous red tone, somewhere between burgundy and dark purple.

This is timeless and always popular for the season, unlike some of the autumn/winter fashion colour trends of 2025 - I’m looking at you pastel pink. Deep jewel tones accentuate the sheen of velvet perfectly and the combination made Zara’s suit feel ultra luxurious.

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Berry-red looks beautiful with neutrals like black and brown, as well as with other scarlet shades, which is how Zara styled her suit. She wore the blazer and trousers with a slightly lighter red shirt underneath which complemented the sleek silhouette.

Trouser suits are perfect for Christmas parties as an alternative to dresses, as they feel smart and are a bit more contemporary and sleek. They’re also easy to style as the matching set is pretty much the whole outfit and you only really need to consider accessories and a top.

I also think that they’re twice as versatile because they’re made up of two distinct items. You can style a velvet blazer like Zara Tindall’s with jeans or a jumper dress if you want something more casual, or wear the trousers with a jumper or shirt and a different jacket.

There are so many possibilities with co-ords and the feel can be totally changed by switching up even a small detail. The King’s niece went elegantly festive and finished off her Together at Christmas ensemble with matching red court shoes and a shimmering gold clutch bag.

As well as supporting the best British clothing brands, Zara also champions British accessory brands too and this clutch was the East/West Omni Clutch by Strathberry. It was the only non-red element in her outfit and brought a glamorous edge, contrasting against the luxurious velvet.

Metallics are a go-to for many people at this time of year and they’re an elevated version of neutrals, as they feel a bit more special and yet go with everything. Warm-toned colours like burgundy look gorgeous with gold and cooler shades like emerald green and sapphire blue with silver, though it's not a strict rule.

Zara Tindall’s red velvet suit was just one of many velvet co-ords we saw last year and already this season there have been a fair few. Claudia Winkleman’s velvet suit is another favourite, though I particularly love the colour of Zara’s 2024 outfit and can’t help hoping she re-wears it in the run-up to Christmas.

It’s unlikely she’ll wear it to Together at Christmas 2025 as the royals have never worn the same outfit twice to the service, though given how wearable velvet suits actually are, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone stepped out in one.

Popular handbag trends are all well and good but there’s nothing quite like a timeless design in a wearable colour that you’ll have in your collection forever. An elegant bag can make a huge difference to even the simplest of outfits and with Black Friday deals coming thick and fast, now is a brilliant time to check out the options that would work best for you.

The discounts can be hefty and that’s the case at some of the luxurious brands loved by the royals, including Zara Tindall and the Princess of Wales. Both of them are big Aspinal fans and Zara’s go-to bag is undeniably the Lottie style they make.

She loves it so much that she owns it in at least seven colours, as well as different sizes and finishes. Her navy-blue and black Lotties are her most-worn and she reaches for them a lot when she attends the races at Cheltenham in March and November.

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Suede bags might be a big autumn/winter handbag trend but they’re not the most practical and Zara’s Aspinal Lotties are pretty much all leather. Her Navy Kaviar Quilted one is currently 40% off - £357 down from £595 - and has the durable textured finish that’s useful in unpredictable weather.

Earlier this year Zara wore it over her shoulder at Cheltenham, styled with a pistachio-green coat and blue outfit. The plaited leather and gold-toned metal strap is a signature part of the Lottie design and is long enough that you can also wear it crossbody.

Handcrafted from leather, the workmanship is what sets these bags apart and makes them an investment piece. They’re also very classic with the rectangular shape and envelope closure, so you don’t need to worry about them going out of fashion.

Zara’s Lottie bag would work with winter date night outfits or for the daytime, though her Micro Lottie is definitely more of an evening piece thanks to the size. It’s exactly the same design, just daintier, and the King’s niece wore it to a Netflix premiere in 2024.

She owns the bag in the black pebble finish which is now reduced by 50% to £225 and also has a black pebble medium Lottie too. If you’re going to be investing in a luxurious handbag like this, neutral colours like black and navy are a great choice as they go with more things.

Browns and tans are equally wearable and whilst it isn’t currently being sold anymore at Aspinal, Zara Tindall also has a tan nubuck leather Lottie. She’s been spotted with a few other colours over the years too, including lilac, metallic gold, white and cream.

Though it’s always her darker-toned bags she comes back to most often and it makes sense as these colours tend to show marks less. Just a few weeks ago she went to Cheltenham Racecourse in a bold cobalt-blue outfit and took another navy Lottie - this time the out-of-stock Lottie Pillow Clutch.

Zara Tindall has made no secret of the fact that she loves this style and even if you aren’t necessarily looking to invest in one quite yet, a quilted, chain-strap design makes a chic accessory.

Occasion-wear might not be worn as often as our jumpers and jeans, but it's still a must in a winter capsule wardrobe as the festive season approaches. It can be tricky to know what to wear to all these upcoming events and so finding a uniform of sorts is a clever move.

Zara Tindall found hers a long time ago and her fashion formula for special occasions is very wearable. She relies on a little black dress - with a twist. This can be embroidery, embellishments or a hint of colour, and it's enough to make a classic into something more eye-catching.

She just showcased this once again when she and her husband Mike attended The Beauty Awards 2025 in London on 24th November. Zara whipped out her black Rebecca Vallance dress with silver and pearl adornments which we've seen several times before.

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It's the epitome of what I'm calling her 'levelled-up LBD' style and she wore it previously to the relaunch of Rebecca Vallance at Harrods in 2023. The King's niece is a champion of the best British brands like Aspinal and Fairfax & Favor, though she's also partial to dresses by this Australian designer.

This particular piece is midi-length and high-necked, with feminine puffed sleeves and a very tiny cut-out on either side of the bodice. The velvet fabric brings a sumptuous sheen and the embellishments take this from pretty to stunning.

Without them it would be a very simple black dress. With them, it's suddenly more fun and fabulous. Yet this is why Zara Tindall's fashion formula is such a brilliant one to adopt for party season and beyond.

The timeless silhouettes and neutral base colour mean her frocks are versatile and easy to style and the hint of detail makes them more exciting than a plain LBD.

The neckline, cut-outs and waist of this dress are trimmed with pearl and crystal beads for a glamorous touch. Because the dress is still primarily black, they're balanced and still feel sophisticated and grown-up.

Zara accessorised with black court shoes and a sparkly silver clutch to tie in with both design elements of her dress. Cohesion always looks polished and so, if in doubt, go for black accessories with an LBD like hers or else match to the detailing.

The equestrian royal owns two very similar dresses from Rebecca Vallance that she's worn to special occasions in the past and she takes this approach. One is also midi-length with statement sleeves and has shiny gold floral motifs running down both sides of the bodice.

Another is an almost identical silhouette with red and gold flowers instead. Both times Zara Tindall wore black heels and gold bags, and the effect was so beautiful. Earrings are usually the only jewellery she wears with her LBDs so as not to overwhelm the detailing.

At The Beauty Awards she went for pearl drop earrings and pearl or faux pearl pieces can be great affordable jewellery picks and are neutral enough to work with a lot of looks. As the festive season edges nearer, it's a great time to find your formula - or follow Zara's failsafe one - and have a combination ready to go.

Styling knee high boots can take a bit more consideration than your go-to ankle boots but there’s a reason so many of us come back to them year after year. Whilst shorter designs are easy to wear in the daytime, tall boots just feel more polished and elegant.

This is why we see members of the Royal Family reaching for them so often in the colder months and Zara Tindall just took things a step further with an over-the-knee pair. Like so many of her boots, these were by Fairfax & Favor and we saw a glimpse of them when she attended Day 2 of the November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Zara’s boots were the Fitzrovia style in black suede and she wore them with a cobalt blue Karen Millen coat, leather mini skirt and blue-grey roll neck.

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Like so many of the best knee-high boots, over-the-knee boots work exceptionally well worn with a longer coat like this. With the outerwear draped over the top, you get an unbroken silhouette that has a beautiful leg-elongating effect.

Taller boots also have the added benefit of being far warmer than ankle boots for the winter too. Given that the King’s niece was spending the day outside in the chilly November temperatures, her choice of footwear was a clever move.

Having so much of your leg covered in fabric is naturally very insulating and the higher the boots rise, the more this is the case. Over-the-knee or knee-high boots are perfect for completing a winter date night outfit, as they look dressy whilst being cosy.

Zara Tindall styled hers with a leather mini skirt from Hobbs - another of the British clothing brands she’s often drawn to. The tall boots balanced out the shorter hemline and I love the contrast of the snuggly suede against the smooth leather.

Incorporating different textures into an outfit makes a lot of difference when you’re wearing so many layers to keep warm and helps prevent all the items blending into one another. Suede or faux suede boots are an easy way to bring an element of softness and I’d recommend going for materials like these if you’re picking out a pair of taller boots.

It makes them appear slightly more understated given that they are a major part of a look. Zara went for a leather handbag instead, carrying her beloved Aspinal Lottie bag in the navy blue.

Many people think of wearing black and blue together as a fashion faux pas, but the royal made it look incredibly chic at Cheltenham and never shies away from this colour combination. Her longline cobalt coat was the brightest shade in her ensemble and lifted the deeper tones of her accessories, jumper and skirt.

Like boots, a coat is one of the most prominent aspects of any winter outfit as it covers up most of what’s worn underneath. Zara’s coat made a real statement with its tone and was double-breasted, with a smart lapel collar that enhanced the impeccable tailoring.

It was formal and complemented the elevated feel of her over-knee boots. With many more months of cold weather still to come and Cheltenham Festival in March, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Zara Tindall style these boots with more of the bright coats in her collection.

Welcome to the woman&home Quiz of the Day. It's our fun, quick quiz you'll find here every Monday to Friday, which will test what you know about the biggest talking points and topics of the moment.

Last weekend, Zara Tindall reminded us why she's one of our favourite royals to look to for fashion inspiration as she braved a cloudy day in burgundy and navy - in the most gorgeous pair of chilly weather boots.

We recently admired her cappuccino cream nails - and her autumn style essential is something every capsule wardrobe needs.

But how much do you know about the royal? Quiz yourself on all things ZT, from her place in the royal line of succession to the names of her kids.

Share your scores and let us know how you did in the comments section below!

Want more quizzes? Catch up with all our previous quizzes here.

We should’ve known that the next time we’d see Zara Tindall in public it would be at an equestrian event and she braved the dreary weather on 18th October at Ascot racecourse. Her outfit was a far cry from the gorgeous pastel tones and dresses she wore for Royal Ascot in June, yet it was still very in-keeping with her signature style.

Zara stepped out in a burgundy and navy look that paid homage to several of the best British clothing brands and was minimal in the best way. Her accessories were the star of the show for me, as she went for fabulous wine-red knee highs from Dune London and carried an Aspinal bag.

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She has quite the collection of Aspinal handbags and this one is a new addition to her wardrobe. It’s the Hudson design which comes in several different colourways, though hers is a dark red suede which perfectly matched her footwear.

It seems simple and yet coordinating your accessories is such a clever way to give your entire outfit a polished, put-together edge. It suggests a level of impeccable consideration and when you have a bag and shoes that match it takes the stress out of getting ready as you know without a doubt that they go together.

Zara Tindall and her fellow royals take this approach a lot and it accentuated the contrast between the burgundy and navy blue tones. The texture of the suede looked stunning against her The Fold wool skirt and jacket and if you’re ever unsure how to style knee highs, her approach is a winner.

Wearing taller boots with a midi-length skirt, dress and/or coat creates a leg-elongating silhouette as they blend into each other effortlessly. The clothing drapes over the top of the boots and looks so elegant. The King’s niece kept her jacket fastened and added a burgundy blouse and headpiece.

Navy and burgundy aren’t necessarily colours you’d immediately think of putting together and neither of them are specific autumn/winter fashion colour trends. But they’re both jewel colours with warm undertones which make this combination work.

We’ve seen Zara style them together before now and although she could easily have gone for black boots or even tan suede ones for a more neutral look, the burgundy made a lovely alternative. Something about deep red just feels seasonal and this shade is close enough to brown to not be too vibrant.

A pair of ruby drop earrings finished off the royal’s look and she carried her bag around Ascot by the chunky strap rather than wearing it as a shoulder bag. Zara Tindall made the trip from her Gatcombe Park home to Berkshire for Ascot Champions Day and she typically goes for formal ensembles when she’s at the races.

If you’ve been inspired by her outfit but prefer smart-casual outfits then consider pairing burgundy boots and a bag with jeans and a matching jumper. Add a navy blazer for a touch of contrast and you’ve got yourself a comfy yet sleek look.

Alternatively, skip the navy blue altogether and go even more pared-back. Deep red accessories would look gorgeous with black, camel or grey staples too and would be balanced out.

Deep, rich tones are dominating autumn nail designs everywhere but Zara Tindall went for something a little lighter but still very seasonal this September. She and her husband Mike enjoyed a date night to remember as they watched England’s victory in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil at Twickenham.

The couple made the trip from their Gatcombe Park home and Mike later shared a selfie from the stands as they congratulated the team and thanked Howden Insurance for having them. Holding a drink high in the air in celebration, Zara’s nails were close to the camera and the cappuccino-cream polish was so sumptuous for autumn.

It makes a change from burgundy and cola nails and reminded me of mocha mousse - Pantone’s 2025’s Colour of the Year. Zara kept her nails short and squoval-shaped for a clean, neat finish.

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This doesn’t surprise me at all, as even though she’s not a working member of the Royal Family, the royals all tend to steer clear of long talons. Short nails just look a little more traditional and timeless and there’s a practical edge to this choice too.

Zara won’t want to be negotiating jumps with her horse as a professional equestrian with super long nails. The combination of the length and neutral colour of hers at the Rugby World Cup makes them so easy for everyday, as the coffee cream shade will go with any outfit.

"With autumn upon us, the nail trends are mirroring the leaves, and taking on warm tones of red, orange and brown. The latter, in particular, is always popular this time of year; we tend to see dark chocolate shades, warm chestnuts and this sort of soft, taupe-y brown dominate," says Naomi Jamieson, Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home and nail trend connoisseur, who adds, "The beauty of Zara Tindall's choice lies in its versatility."

As Naomi explains, Zara’s polish is "warm and cosy" which is "very fitting" for autumn, but "unlike bolder burgundys and reds, it remains very subtle and wearable, more so if you opt for a short nail shape, like Tindall has".

She also believes that the colour is similar to Mocha Mousse and this "makes the look all the more trendy" for the season. The slightly cool undertones also accentuate the understated feel, as the colour isn’t overly bold.

It looked darker in the shadows of the stadium than the polish Zara Tindall was photographed wearing earlier on in September. However, it seems that browns and beiges are definitely her go-to for nails right now, as she wore a muted taupe hue at the Cornbury House Horse Trials.

This complemented her knitwear perfectly and although we’re used to seeing the King’s niece wear a lot of bold colours to formal events, she tends to stick to neutrals outside of them. Coffee-brown polish is therefore a clever choice as she never needs to worry about colour clashes and her nails don’t dominate her outfits.

If this particular shade is a little too dark for you, then it’s also worth taking inspiration from Zara Tindall’s nails in terms of the wider brown-grey colour family. Softer hues like taupe, caramel or toffee brown also scream autumn in a versatile way.

There are always going to be certain autumn/winter fashion trends that catch your eye, but a seasonal wardrobe just wouldn’t be the same without those timeless staples you can rely on. Practical but elegant pieces that will keep you cosy and dry are essential - and Zara Tindall is the queen of this styling combination.

As a professional equestrian she spends a lot of time outdoors and she just put together some classic items to create the perfect autumn walk outfit. The King’s niece attended the Cornbury House Horse Trials on 12th September wearing a longline waxed jacket, a neutral knit, jeans and wellies.

Most, if not all, of these pieces were from Fairfax & Favor whom Zara became an Ambassador for earlier this year. She’s worn their designs for quite some time and they’re one of the best British clothing brands for impeccable, country-inspired items.

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The royal’s jacket was the star of the show for me and has already given me plenty of autumn outfit ideas. A waxed jacket is such an easy piece to throw on when the weather isn’t freezing cold and there is a chance of showers.

Zara’s was a cocoa-brown shade and had a darker corduroy collar. Two pockets on either side added even more practicality and the gold-toned buttons were a glamorous touch. What made this stand out to me, though, was the length.

When it’s chilly I tend to steer clear of cropped styles (which many waxed jackets are) as I want more coverage. The royal’s jacket finished just above her knee and I’d recommend checking out longline outerwear for the season.

The way Zara Tindall styled her jacket accentuated its streamlined shape, as she opted for mid-blue skinny jeans and a light brown Anna Fairfax & Favor jumper. The knit complemented the colour of her jacket and tonal dressing is a really simple way to give an ensemble a cohesive feel that makes it look put-together.

Barrel leg jeans and other looser denim styles have been popular in recent years, but when you’re wearing knee high boots, skinny jeans just tuck in so much more smoothly. This neatness gave Zara’s Le Chameau x Fairfax & Favor wellies a smarter edge which isn’t always easy to achieve with functional footwear.

From her grippy, waterproof boots to her shower-resistant jacket and warm jumper, the royal’s outfit was practical for a day at the horse trials. It was also chic and considered, making this look a great source of inspiration for autumn dressing.

Something like this could see you through from a country walk to enjoying a roast at a pub or a casual meet-up with friends. If you think even your best wellies are a little too casual, you can still recreate a similar outfit - just swap in a pair of leather knee high boots instead.

Durable leather is another brilliant choice for this unpredictable weather. Colour-wise, I would still follow in Zara Tindall’s footsteps with a mix of neutrals like brown, camel and khaki. These can be mixed and matched with so many other colours and the warm undertones are stunning for autumn.

Sweater weather is here again and that means we can enjoy layering, wearing rich jewel tones and embracing all our favourite autumn/winter shoe trends. However, whilst dressing for frosty autumn days is relatively simple, milder temperatures are trickier.

We need something warmer than our go-to jeans and a T-shirt look and yet still as comfortable and easy to put together. This is exactly why I often find myself going back to a combination that Zara Tindall wore back in 2022 at the Bramham International Horse Trials.

You’d think no time had passed, as her boucle blazer and leather trousers were so ageless. Although the Horse Trials are held in June, Zara’s ensemble had an autumnal edge that’s perfect for the season ahead.

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Her Mango blazer was a fun emerald green tone and had notched lapels and a double-breasted cut. Aside from the colour, the other thing that made this jacket really stand out to me was the boucle material. As much as I love a crisp tailored blazer, textured options bring softness to an outfit and in this case, it helped to mellow the brightness.

Like so many members of the Royal Family, Princess Anne’s daughter loves vibrant colours but if you want to get maximum wear out of a jacket I’d advise going for a black, tan or brown one instead. These darker neutral tones are simple to style for the season and work with so much.

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to some of your denim pieces for autumn, then jeans and a blazer is a failsafe outfit that’s a step further up the cosy scale from jeans and a tee. Though Zara Tindall’s leather trousers are an edgy alternative that’s just as versatile.

Sleek and fitted, her trousers fell to just above the ankle and she likely tucked in her white shirt to create the smooth silhouette underneath her green blazer. You can pair leather trousers or leggings with shirts and blouses, as well as more relaxed designs like camis or T-shirts.

Leather or faux leather naturally feels quite elevated thanks to the texture and finish, so you can use trousers as the smart element in a smart-casual outfit. They can be dressed up for evenings out and you might think that a blazer would be too formal with them, but Zara proved otherwise.

She stepped out in sporty white trainers which added contrast and the boucle material also worked to make the final outfit more daytime appropriate.

With her blonde hair pulled back into a low updo and tortoiseshell sunglasses, the King’s niece looked chic and comfy as she walked with her horse, Class Affair, during the first Horse Inspection.

Flat ankle boots would also have worked with her blazer and leather trousers in colder weather. Zara has worn trousers like this before to an equestrian event. In 2023 she went to Cheltenham in December in black coated trousers tucked into black heeled boots, with a white polo neck jumper and a long forest green tailored coat.

Clearly green outerwear and leather are something she loves to wear together and given how much Zara likes to bring back her favourite pieces, I hope to see at least her trousers make a comeback for autumn/winter.

As much as we don’t want summer to be over - and it isn’t yet! - autumn will be here before we know it. This is the season when I think layering is most essential, as the weather can often be very warm one minute and rainy and cold the next.

It’s best to be prepared and practicality can also be incredibly chic - as Zara Tindall has consistently proved. She isn’t afraid to grab her best waterproof jackets and wellies when she needs to and her autumnal style essential is none other than a gilet.

Over the years the King’s niece has opted for a handy sleeveless vest several times in September and they work well as a transitional staple. Hers tend to be navy blue and slightly padded, which is especially useful as the temperatures drop later in autumn.

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Light jackets are many people’s go-tos as the seasons change and you might be wondering why you might pick a gilet over trench coats or blazers. I think the answer lies in their sleeveless-ness.

Gilets like Zara’s help to keep your core warm, but having no sleeves gives a bit more breathability and suits mild weather. On colder days, I’d go for a thicker jumper underneath and when it’s sunnier, a T-shirt would suffice.

Zara Tindall owns two gilets from Musto, for which she’s an ambassador. When you want impeccable designs with functionality, Musto is one of the best British clothing brands to turn to and she owns a gilet with a hood and a lightweight one without.

The equestrian royal has worn them to both the 2017 Whatley Manor Horse Trials at Gatcombe Park where she lives and the Blenheim International Horse Trials in 2024. On the first occasion she styled her hooded gilet with dark blue jeans, sturdy brown boots and a blue sweatshirt and the second she wore Le Chameau wellies and leggings.

These are very off-duty styles that worked perfectly for a day outdoors, but gilets can be elevated too. There are so many designs out there which have a more waistcoat-esque feel to them and could be paired with tailored trousers and shirts for a smarter look.

Whatever the fabric, though, the main benefit of Zara Tindall’s autumn style essential is their versatility and how you can easily mix and match them with different outfits depending on how many layers you need. When winter arrives you can also continue to wear them underneath more oversized coats.

To maximise a gilet’s wearability if you’re looking to add one to your collection, I’d recommend going for a neutral tone that works with the colour palette of your wardrobe. If your signature style is focused on monochrome tones, go for a plain black gilet.

A grey, camel, khaki or brown one would complement warm, paler hues as well as darker ones and navy blue like Zara’s gilets is a safe bet too. To make them dressier, you simply need to opt for a more formal outfit underneath like a dress or tailoring, but they work beautifully with leggings and boots as an autumnal walk ensemble.

The royals might be experienced heel-wearers, but Zara Tindall also knows comfortable sandals when she sees them. Back in 2018 the King’s niece attended the International Day polo matches and went for comfort and style combined in her Michael Kors sandals.

These were a step up from your standard flip-flops, which aren’t everyone’s go-tos for summer outings. Zara’s shoes worked perfectly as part of a summery smart-casual outfit, with their sleek black leather uppers and gold-toned plate detailing.

They had a toe thong that rose up into the leather straps and fastened with a discreet buckle around the ankle. This would’ve helped to keep them secure on Zara’s feet all day - something you can’t always guarantee with flip-flops or slip-on sandals.

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The soles were made of flexible rubber and the equestrian royal has had these Michael Kors sandals in her collection since at least 2017. For me, their beauty lies in their simplicity, as these are the kind of shoes you can wear time and time again and they won’t look dated.

When you’re searching online or in store for a new pair of shoes to add to your summer capsule wardrobe, it can be tempting to choose something more obviously trendy or vibrant for the season. However, something like Zara’s shoes could be a better option thanks to their versatility.

The neutral black colour and minimal hardware would work with so many different outfits. Because they’re not strictly flip-flops they don’t feel as casual, yet the flat soles and strappy design mean they’re not overly smart either.

You could style understated sandals like these with shorts and a white T-shirt, or with something more evening-appropriate like a jumpsuit or flowy midi dress. Both would look equally elegant and Zara Tindall went somewhere in between with her polo look.

The dress code wasn’t as strict as Royal Ascot and so she stepped out in a dark navy blue midi dress. It had a neat collar, elbow-length sleeves and gorgeous lace detailing running along the cuffs, bodice and skirt. This brought a feminine edge to the design and she came prepared for the Great British July weather and threw over a grey pashmina at points.

Zara’s simple sandals were a great addition to the ensemble and tied in with the colour of the lacework to create a sense of cohesion. We haven’t seen her wear these sandals since 2018, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she doesn’t still get plenty of wear out of them over the summer months as we only tend to see her at official royal occasions or horse-racing events.

Zara Tindall is a fan of practical attire and these sandals are chic and very easy to walk in compared to stilettos. When she does have to brave turf in her court shoes, though, she has a clever heel trick up her sleeve.

At a Royal Garden party held last year at Buckingham Palace the weather was far rainier and greyer than it was at the polo in 2018. She wore pink suede Emmy London Rebeccas with barely-visible clear protectors on the heel to keep them from sinking into the grass. This was a stroke of genius, though flats thankfully take away this risk from the very start.

As someone who is always left exasperated when we see Christmas adverts too early and Easter eggs on sale in January, I’m as surprised as anyone that I’m starting to look forward to autumn. Whilst I love the summer weather, transitional seasonal styling is a little more versatile as you can embrace layers you wouldn’t wear in a heatwave.

The inspiration is already out there for autumnal looks as Zara Tindall is in Australia for the British & Irish Lions tour with her husband Mike. This means they’ve packed for winter, but a milder one than we get in the UK.

The couple visited the Nazario Parisi & Sons Menswear store in Melbourne on 29th July and whilst it was Mike picking up "new threads", Zara’s outfit caught my eye. She was wearing relaxed indigo jeans with a collared shirt and a cosy knit layered over it.

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It’s not easy to tell from the snap Mike shared on social media of their visit to the store, but I suspect that these could be barrel leg jeans which have been exceptionally trendy in recent months. We already know Zara’s a fan of this style and so it would make sense for her to invest in an indigo pair.

Darker washes are one of the biggest denim trends for 2025 and they work especially well for autumn and winter too. Indigo jeans feel inherently smarter than light wash pairs and this balanced out the slouchier, relaxed shape of the style worn by Zara.

The King’s niece lifted the colour palette of her outfit with a mid-blue denim shirt and a crewneck jumper over the top. Pairing your darker denim with lighter items of clothing like she did can help to make a look less wintry in the summer-to-autumn months too.

Her jumper was a soft creamy beige hue with ribbed cuffs, neckline and hem. She styled it with her shirt collar poking over the top for a timeless finish and ensured it wasn’t too preppy by leaving the shirt untucked and draped over her jeans.

This created an easy smart-casual outfit that’s perfect for the time when summer eases into autumn and the weather can’t make up its mind. Too hot? You can easily take the jumper off and when it’s breezier or raining, it’s much needed.

A neutral jumper is a good choice as they can be layered over different jeans and shirt combinations without colour clashing with any of them. Zara Tindall finished off her outfit in Melbourne with chunky white trainers - another failsafe option for an autumnal look.

The equestrian royal went without earrings or a necklace to keep things simple and wore her blonde bob tied up, with a tendril framing her face on one side. Although she was dressed for the Australian winter this kind of style is exactly what I want to recreate when the weather calls for it.

Zara and Mike Tindall’s visit to the menswear store came a day before their 14th wedding anniversary on 30th July. They’ve attended several rugby games during their time Down Under and with the final one set for 2nd August, they’ll likely be spending a few more days there enjoying being in their "home away from home".