Royal Ascot is one of the social highlights of the royal calendar, with the annual horse racing event attracting a wide array of royal family members across the five days. While the event is open to the ticket-holding public, there are a range of areas available to access depending on the type of pass you hold. The most exclusive zone, the Royal Enclosure, is populated by the Royal Family, with security vetting who are allowed in.
However, it appears there was an unfortunate and amusing blunder when it came to Zara Tindall (daughter of Princess Anne and niece of The King) this week - before she'd even made it onto the grounds. Zara and her former rugby player husband, Mike, arrived for the first day of Royal Ascot on Tuesday (16 June) but, according to WalesOnline, were turned away at the gates.
The pair arrived at the owners' entrance, but well-meaning security didn't recognise them. Instead, Zara and Mike were reportedly told to head to the general ticket office. The news site states that the couple graciously obliged, before another member of staff spotted the error and ensured they were welcomed in. An awkward but only brief 'who are you?' moment!
For the formal occasion, the couple were dressed in their Sunday best and opted for a co-ordinated look, matching in lilac. Zara was dressed head to toe in the shade, with a scallop-detailed midi dress by Rebecca Vallance. She added a pair of heels by Emmy London and re-wore her Bulgari sunglasses from last year's event. Mike matched his tie to his wife's outfit in lilac, which he wore with a full three-piece suit and top hat.
Once safely inside the Royal Enclosure, the couple were united with The King and Queen, and were snapping chatting and laughing together as they enjoyed the sunshine. Zara's mum, Princess Anne, was also at the event, and was seen on a balcony alongside her daughter-in-law (and the newest member of the extended Royal Family), Harriet Phillips, having enjoyed a carriage ride together.
Harriet married Princess Anne's son - Zara's brother - Peter Phillips in a private ceremony on 6 June. The Prince and Princess of Wales were spotted arriving at the event at All Saints Church in Kemble Gloucestershire, driving themselves there in their own Audi.
Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 16 June to Saturday 20 June, with more royal family members and celebrities expected to attend. Dame Mary Berry was just one familiar face who was spotted on the first day of Ascot, and she arrived in a polka dot dress channelling the Princess of Wales' most-worn style.
