Zara Tindall Steps in for King Charles—And Into Grandmother Queen Elizabeth's Shoes

Zara Tindall in a straw hat and striped dress smiling — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Zara Tindall might not be a working royal, but as Princess Anne's daughter has proven in recent weeks, she's always there to support her family. Following several stylish appearances at Royal Ascot last week, Tindall stepped in for The King on Sunday, June 22 when she presented a trophy that traditionally was handed out by her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The competitive equestrian looked summery in a striped Polo Ralph Lauren dress, Tommy Hilfiger platforms and a straw boater hat as she attended the Royal Windsor Cup final at the prestigious Guards Polo Club—a venue where cousins Prince William and Prince Harry have regularly competed.

Zara, who is married to former England rugby player Mike Tindall, took in the polo action before presenting the 70th anniversary Royal Windsor Cup trophy. The event is regarded as one of the top-five polo competitions in the world and was won by La Dolfina BN, who came out victorious against Calatagan Polo Team.

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Zara Tindall wearing a white striped dress and straw hat clapping and smiling — Zara Tindall cheered on the competition at the Royal Windsor Polo Cup on June 22.

Zara Tindall walking in a striped dress and straw hat — She wore a Polo Ralph Lauren dress and Tommy Hilfiger platforms.

Zara Tindall wearing a white floral dress and pink headband standing with Mike Tindall, dressed in a top hat and suit — Zara Tindall, pictured with husband Mike Tindall, wore a floral Anna Mason dress at Royal Ascot on June 18.

Tommy Hilfiger

Jute-Trim Block-Heel Platform Sandal

Her appearance at Guards Polo Club followed a busy week for the 44-year-old royal. She attended four out of the five days of Royal Ascot, joining brother Peter Phillips and royal cousins Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Prince William at the annual horse racing event.

From a pale blue trouser suit to a white floral Anna Mason dress, Zara pulled out all the fashion stops at Royal Ascot 2025, riding in a carriage during the royal procession on day three of the event. Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales pulled out of attending day two of Royal Ascot at the last minute, with the palace citing a schedule miscommunication.

"Royal sources say the princess is 'disappointed' not to attend but has to find the right balance as she continues her recovery from cancer and a phased return to full duties," Roya Nikkah, royal editor for the Sunday Times, posted on X.

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.