The sun was shining, the hats were towering, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the British royal family made a grand entrance on the first day of Royal Ascot 2025.
It wasn’t just about the racing — it was a full-on royal reunion, and Zara and Mike Tindall looked especially thrilled to be part of it.
Zara and Mike Share Warm Moments with the Royal Crew
Zara Tindall, 44, daughter of Princess Anne, and her husband, former England rugby player Mike Tindall, 46, were seen happily greeting their royal relatives with hugs and kisses.
In a sweet show of affection, Zara kissed both her uncle, King Charles, and her mother, The Princess Royal, on the cheek.
Mike was just as affectionate, sharing a warm moment with his mother-in-law.
The family vibes were strong, and it was clear they were all happy to be back together on such a grand occasion.
King Charles and Queen Camilla Lead the Traditional Parade
King Charles, now 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, made their stylish arrival in the famous Ascot carriage procession, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
The King looked full of energy, tipping his hat and waving to the cheering crowd, while Camilla turned heads in a graceful grey dress and matching hat.
Riding in the lead carriage to the sound of the national anthem, they were joined by Lady Sarah Keswick and Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud.
The royal energy carried on in the second carriage with Princess Anne, Annabel Elliot, and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.
Peter Phillips Makes an Appearance with His New Flame
Adding a touch of romance to the occasion, Peter Phillips, the King’s nephew, returned to Royal Ascot with his girlfriend Harriet Sperling.
The couple debuted here last year, and it looks like they’re getting serious — Harriet was even invited into the royal procession, a strong sign of approval from the King.
Harriet, 45, looked radiant in an all-white outfit with a cropped jacket, puffed sleeves, and a woven hat.
Peter, 47, seems happy in this new chapter after ending his three-year relationship with Lindsay Wallace.
Queen Elizabeth’s Racing Legacy Lives On
The late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her passion for horse racing, and her spirit still lingers at Ascot.
Over her 70-year reign, she celebrated more than 20 Royal Ascot wins.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have inherited her beloved horses and already tasted victory in 2023 when their horse, Desert Hero, won the King George V Stakes.
Now, their hopes are riding on another runner, Reaching High, trained by Irish trainer Willie Mullins.
Reflecting on the horse’s performance, Mullins shared: “He did everything nicely at Leopardstown. If he can repeat that kind of run at Ascot, I’d be very pleased.”
A Historic Year for the Royal Procession
This year marks 200 years since the very first Royal Procession at Ascot — a tradition that began way back in 1825 under King George IV.
What started as a royal show of pageantry has grown into one of the most iconic spectacles in British sport and society.
And let’s not forget, Royal Ascot itself dates back even further to 1711, when Queen Anne famously declared that the area was “ideal for horses fit for kings.” Centuries later, her vision is still going strong.
Fashion Takes Center Stage Alongside the Races
Of course, Ascot isn’t just about horses — it’s also about making a serious style statement.
Racegoers showed up dressed to impress on day one, with bold hats stealing the spotlight.
Think floral prints, smart blazers, modest hemlines, and white dresses that oozed summer elegance.
While the Windsor Enclosure is more relaxed when it comes to attire, the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures stick to strict fashion rules.
For women, hats or headpieces with a base of at least four inches are required, and dresses must be knee-length or longer.
Strapless, spaghetti straps, and one-shoulder looks are a definite no-go. Shorts? Also banned.
Men in those enclosures must wear black dress shoes and ankle socks — no exceptions.
Trouser suits are welcome (as long as they match), and jumpsuits were finally added to the accepted list in 2017.
Wrapping Up Day One with Royal Flair
From elegant arrivals and royal reunions to high-stakes racing and jaw-dropping fashion, the opening day of Royal Ascot had it all.
The pageantry, tradition, and good cheer were in full swing — and this is just the beginning.
As the week continues, the races will ramp up, the hats will get even more outrageous, and, if all goes well, King Charles and Queen Camilla may get to celebrate another winner in their growing racing legacy.