Zara Tindall was turned away from the gates of Royal Ascot this afternoon after a security guard failed to realise who she was as she waited with husband Mike Tindall and his rugby pals
Zara Tindall was forced to wait outside Ascot Racecourse(Image: Conor Wilson)
Zara Tindall was turned away at the entrance to Royal Ascot this afternoon after a security guard failed to recognise who she was. Zara was joined by husband Mike and his rugby pals, including Austin Healey and Nicky Robinson, as the group chatted with acquaintances and well-wishers upon their arrival.
Having attempted to gain entry through the owners’ entrance, Zara was directed to the ticket office as she didn’t have a pass and graciously accepted the instruction. The well-intentioned security guard’s error was swiftly picked up by colleagues, with one hurrying over to inform the member of staff that the King’s niece was most certainly entitled to enter.
The pair posed for photographs with waiting press and signed autographs for opportunistic passersby before making their way into the Royal Enclosure ahead of the opening race.
Zara’s uncle, King Charles, is anticipated to attend Royal Ascot later on Tuesday, having been named as a race trophy presenter, as is her mother, the Princess Royal.
In his foreword to the official race-day programme, the King and Queen wished racegoers a “thrilling” week of action at Royal Ascot, championing the prestigious meeting’s environmental credentials, reports the Express.
Charles and Camilla highlighted how the flagship racing event draws some of the finest horses from around the world, ridden by top jockeys and watched by enormous television audiences.
Well known for championing environmental causes, the King, together with the Queen, drew attention to the installation of 1,200 solar panels on the grandstand’s roof since last June – describing it as “another important step in the racecourse’s sustainability journey”.
The royal couple said in the programme: “We wish you a very warm welcome to Royal Ascot, which promises to deliver another spectacular week of racing.
“Some of the best horses from Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia are expected to run this week and they will be watched by viewers in close to 200 countries.”
Royal Ascot in Berkshire is as much a social occasion as a sporting event, with racegoers renowned for sporting flamboyant hats, elegant summer dresses and top hat and tails, while champagne and pints flow freely alongside the placing of bets.
Charles and Camilla said: “Since last June, over 1,200 solar panels have been installed on the 480-metre-long roof of the grandstand – this marks another important step in the racecourse’s sustainability journey.
“The global bloodstock industry sees the Royal Meeting as a highlight of the year and some horses that succeed in this fiercely competitive week will influence the breed for generations to come.”
Having inherited the late Queen’s stable of horses, the royal couple have embraced racehorse ownership with great enthusiasm, celebrating their first Royal Ascot victory in 2023 when their thoroughbred Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes.
