‘It’s a bit of a nightmare’: Mike Tindall reveals how the hot weather can hinder the glamour at Royal Ascot
It’s one of the most prestigious annual events on the royal calendar, but Mike Tindall has revealed details of the less glamorous side of Royal Ascot.
The annual racing event, which runs from June 16 to 20 this year, includes a Royal Procession on each day of the event, dating back to 1825, in which the monarch and the royal party parade down the Straight Path in horse-drawn carriages.
speaking on Luxury Shipping podcast Alongside presenter Tom Chamberlin, Princess Anne’s son-in-law revealed that despite his flamboyance and luxury fashion, he has a less playful side.
“If it’s too hot it’s a bit of a nightmare,” said Zara Tindall’s husband and former rugby player, 44.
Chamberlin then joked: ‘You’ve got some SPF 50 on the top of your head,’ to which Mike replied: ‘Yeah, keep the hat on.’ [or] ‘A puddle is falling.’
Elsewhere in the conversation, Mike explained that the Royal Procession is a part of history that the royal family aims to preserve.
‘British history, that’s the history we try to maintain. ‘The royal procession along the course is still an independent feature of what goes on at Royal Ascot.’
Explaining the course of the action, he said: ‘You jump into the cars. The car fleet they use consists of very old, historical, old-fashioned cars.
‘And they kind of take you to the edge of the Great Park. It’s about a 20-minute carriage ride from start to finish.’
Mike Tindall has revealed the less glamorous side of Royal Ascot in a new podcast episode (a photo of him with wife Zara at the event last year)
Last year, the British royal family attended the opening of Royal Ascot, and Zara and Mike looked particularly pleased to see their relatives.
Princess Anne’s daughter and her former England rugby player husband were seen greeting members of their extended family with friendly kisses as they stepped into the Berkshire racecourse.
In some sweet moments, Zara was seen lovingly pecking the cheeks of her uncle King Charles, 77, and her mother, The Princess Royal.
Dressed to impress in all his elegance, Mike proved to be as caring as his wife as he warmly greeted his mother-in-law.
Meanwhile, Zara greeted her brother Peter Phillips and his fiancée Harriet Sperling, who appeared in the royal procession to Ascot for the first time last year.
Zara showed off a typically chic look with a blue dress with lace and floral details and blush accessories by Rebecca Vallance for the prestigious festival.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, both racing fans, paraded past packed stands at the Berkshire course in a traditional horse-drawn carriage procession as tens of thousands of punters prepared for the first race of the five-day event.
Royal procession celebrates 200th anniversary; This tradition was continued in 1825 by IV. It began during George’s reign, when the Duke of Wellington accompanied the monarch.
The former rugby player spoke to Tom Chamberlin about Royal Ascot on The Luxury Dispatch Podcast
Charles and Camilla boarded the first carriage, along with Prince Faisal, a member of the Saudi royal family, and Lady Sarah Keswick, one of the Queen’s official companions.
Behind them followed the Princess Crown, Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot, and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.
Harriet played the role perfectly in an all-white ensemble that included a cropped jacket with puff sleeves.
Writing in the official programme, the King and Queen said: ‘Having experienced the thrill of victory at Royal Ascot in 2023, we wish only the best of luck to everyone competing this week and a very enjoyable five days for everyone watching.’
Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and sired more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.
Charles and Camilla took over the horse stable and enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when their horse Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes.
