Mike Tindall has admitted Royal Ascot can be a “sweaty nightmare” ahead of the highly-anticipated horse racing event next month. The former rugby union player, who led England to World Cup 2003 glory in his 10 years as an international star, is married to Zara Tindall, Prince Anne’s daughter.
Though the 47-year-old one of the most popular members of the illustrious family, he’s not a working royal. But he’s much beloved by the Windsors, forming a close friendship with future king Prince William. The England legend is often seen at high-profile events alongside other royals, and has attended Ascot on a number of occasions.
The annual horse racing competition is a major events in the royal calendar, with races taking place over a week of competitions in Berkshire, cheered on by members of the Firm and the public.
And while getting dressed up in your finery to watch one of the most iconic sports events in the world may sound pretty enticing, Mr Tindall says the summer heat can make it full on.
Speaking on the Luxury Dispatch podcast with Tom Chamberlin yesteday (Tuesday, March 27) he said the the formal clothing the royals have to wear can make it “nightmare” due to the hot weather.
“It’s a bit of a nightmare, the sweat is,” he said, quipping that he keeps his bowler hat on otherwise there’s a “pool of water that drops out”.
But he also talked in glowing terms about the experience of taking part in the historic carriage procession and arriving to the sound of the national anthem, which he is said “pretty special”, Hello Magazine reports.
Despite his reservations about the heat, he and Zara are both huge fans of Ascot, and horses in general. Zara (née Phillips) is a decorated equestrian and Olympian.
The pair married in 2011, and have three children together.
Tickets are still available for Ascot 2026, you can find out about how to buy VIP and hospitality packages here.