Zara Tindall Channels Princess Kate in Aspinal of London

Zara Tindall smiling in a blue hat and tie neck blouse — (Image credit: Alamy)

Zara Tindall was back in her natural habitat as she attended day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on Tuesday, March 10—and the silver medal-winning Olympic equestrian brought some royal glamour to the race track. Although Princess Kate hasn't attended the event since 2013, when she was pregnant with Prince George, Prince William's cousin channeled Kate's style on Tuesday afternoon.

Zara, who was joined by her husband, Mike Tindall, bundled up in shades of blue to kick off the anticipated horse racing event. She chose a cropped peplum jacket by The Fold London, cinching it with a horsebit-accent belt and pairing the coat with a coordinating navy maxi skirt, also by The Fold London.

Princess Anne's 44-year-old daughter added one of Kate's favorite styles to her outfit, wearing a teal silk pussybow blouse by Really Wild Clothing underneath her coat. And when it comes to handbags, both Zara and the Princess of Wales agree on Aspinal of London's sophisticated Midi Mayfair style, which Zara carried in a black croc colorway to the races.

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Mike Tindall wearing a flat cap and tweed coat standing next to Zara Tindall wearing a long blue coat and boots at Cheltenham races — Mike and Zara Tindall are pictured on day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Zara Tindall holding hands with Mike Tindall at the Cheltenham races — Mike and Zara Tindall are pictured on day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Aspinal of London

Midi Mayfair Bag

Aspinal of London

Women's Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves

Fairfax & Favor

High Heeled Regina

Along with the same black bag, Princess Kate also owns Aspinal's signature style in a pale lilac shade.

Zara, who was styled by Annie Miall, accessorized with black leather Aspinal of London gloves, dangling Hector Lion peacock-colored pearl earrings and a Juliette Botterill percher hat. She completed the outfit with Fairfax and Favor's Regina high-heeled boots in black suede—a similar style as Princess Kate's beloved Penelope Chilvers tassel boots.

The Tindalls are regular attendees at the annual Cheltenham Festival, and last year, Zara coordinated with Princess Eugenie in burgundy at the society event. However, it's unlikely Eugenie or her sister Princess Beatrice will be appearing at the Cheltenham races this year in the aftermath of their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's, recent arrest.

As for Zara, expect more countryside-chic outfits as the racing festival continues throughout the week.

The Fold London

Napier Boiled Wool Jacket Navy

The Fold London

Ellingham Boiled Wool Skirt Navy

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.