Zara Tindall joins forces with her aunt, Queen Camilla, for a history-making day at the races

Zara Tindall enjoyed a day out at the races with her aunt, Queen Camilla. The duo were both at Ascot for British Champions Day on Saturday, appearing in high spirits as they cheered on racers at Britain’s ‘richest race day’, which offers over £4 million in prize money.

The two royals are known for their enviable race day style and most certainly did not disappoint with their ensembles in Berkshire. Zara, who was also joined by her husband, Mike Tindall, donned a new blazer from her beloved Fairfax & Favor, pairing the statement piece with a bag and belt from the brand as well as a hat from Sarah Cant, sunglasses from Monc Belleville, and a pair of Stuart Weitzman boots. In addition to catching up with her aunt, Zara was photographed with Saffie Osborne, who made history by becoming the first female jockey to claim a British classic.

Queen Camilla looked elegant in blue, wearing a bespoke Fiona Clare coat and a bespoke fedora-style hat from royal favourite Philip Treacy. The royal completed the look with gloves from Sermoneta, pumps by Eliot Zed, and a bag from Atelier Renard. Pinned to the Queen’s coat was one of her style staples for racing days: her lucky horseshoe brooch, adorned with rubies, diamonds, and sapphires.

The letters set within the brooch spell out the name Minoru, the name of one of King Edward VII’s most successful Thoroughbred racehorses. The horse had a glittering racing career, which lasted from June 1908 to April 1910. Minoru was bred in Ireland and foaled in 1906. He was then leased by his breeder to King Edward VII, who had twice won the Derby whilst Prince of Wales. Edward’s racing colours, red and blue, also feature on Queen Camilla’s pin.

One of the best colts in England in his day, Minoru ran thirteen times between 1908 and 1910, winning seven races. According to CourtJeweller.com, press clippings from the time show Edward VII, clearly a fan of his horse’s success, had several jewel-studded scarf pins to commemorate the victories.

A triumphant career, but one that ended in mystery. Two years after his successes, Minoru was retired to stud in 1910, before he was exported to Russia, where he disappeared during the Revolution in 1917.

Queen Camilla has been seen wearing this lucky pin on several occasions, including a trip to Ascot last February, when she wore it with a cream coat by Fiona Clare, as well as for the 2023 New Year’s Day service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene and during a visit to Aintree Racecourse. The Queen also wore the brooch for Style Wednesday at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2024 and for Jamie's Farm Charity Race Day at Plumpton Racecourse this February.

No doubt the Queen took the opportunity to wish Mike Tindall a happy birthday while the trio joined forces at Ascot. The English rugby legend turned 48 on 18 October, and the fun-loving Tindalls will certainly have marked the occasion in style.

This month, the pair spoke openly about the ups and downs of their relationship, telling the Talk Horse podcast that their shared love of sport strengthened their bond, but that some confrontation was unavoidable.

‘I think neither of us necessarily chase out confrontation until it happens. That's sometimes not the best way of doing it,’ Mike explained. ‘But then when it happens, I think we're probably pretty good at actually talking about it. He added: 'You've just got to try and muddle your way through. It's never easy, is it?’

Zara explained that shared interests are at the root of their relationship, adding: ‘I think we enjoy the same things, even if we don't agree on some things.’