ROYALS: Zara Tindall takes the reins of Queen Elizabeth II’s equestrian legacy at the Royal Windsor Cup Final – as sources say Prince William could hand his cousin a key role at Ascot…and…

Zara Tindall takes the reins of Queen Elizabeth II’s equestrian legacy at the Royal Windsor Cup Final – as sources say Prince William could hand his cousin a key role at Ascot

Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter stepped into her shoes, presenting the Polo winners their trophy at the prestigious event

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Zara Tindall attended the Royal Windsor Cup Final on Sunday dressed in a Ralph Lauren striped summer dress Max

Ascot may be done and dusted but for many the equestrian calendar gallops on. Chief among them is Zara Tindall, the resident royal ‘horse girl,’ who attended the Royal Windsor Cup Final on Sunday.

The 44-year-old daughter of the Princess Royal has taken the reins of tradition from her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. She presented the winning trophy at the Guards Polo Club, just as Her Late Majesty did for many years. The event, held at the historic Smith’s Lawn in Windsor Great Park, marked its 70th anniversary this year. It is considered one of the top five polo tournaments in the world.

The King’s niece, Zara Tindall presented the Polo winners their trophy at the event Mar

Dressed for the occasion in a striped shirtdress by Polo Ralph Lauren, Zara Tindall looked relaxed in her horsey-habitat. The mother-of-three paired the dress with neutral sandals, a tan leather clutch, gold drop earrings and a straw boater, partially hiding her blonde bob (which, thanks to Sofia Richie, is very much on trend).

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It was a fitting appearance for an event that draws society’s elite, the world’s top polo talent and their four-legged teammates. The final match of the 15-goal tournament saw La Dolfina BN claim victory over the Calatagan Polo Team, a rousing end to the summer showdown.

Earlier in the day, the crowd was treated to a jousting display by the Knights of Middle England. They also enjoyed a stately carriage driving demonstration from the British Driving Society in a nod to the traditions upheld Guards Polo Club since its founding in 1955. Zara’s grandfather, Prince Philip was its first president. The club has since remained in royal hands, with King Charles III assuming the presidency in early 2024. The King asked his niece to present the cup, a tradition the late Queen had previously upheld.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was a regular attendee at the polo event regarded as one of the top five tournaments in the world

The appearance comes as sources hinted that Prince William could one day hand over the reins of royal equestrian pursuits to his cousin. Speaking to The Times, an insider said, ‘he understands how important Ascot is, not just to the racing community but to UK plc’, whilst another added, ‘I never get the feeling the whole top hat and racing is really his thing, and he’s said as much. He’s never really seemed comfortable doing it.’ They said he would likely not be ‘as hands-on with Ascot and the royal stud at Sandringham, Norfolk, as the current and previous monarchs.’

Zara has often spoken with admiration and affection about Queen Elizabeth II. In a recent appearance at a London Sporting Club lunch, she described her late grandmother as ‘amazing and an inspiration to all of us,’ adding: ‘We had an incredible person to look up to, who sadly is not here anymore.’

Sunday’s outing capped off a busy week for the impeccably turned-out royal. Zara was a regular fixture at Royal Ascot 2025, attending four of the five days alongside her husband Mike Tindall, brother Peter Phillips, cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and of course Prince William.

From a pale blue trouser suit to a floral Anna Mason midi dress, Zara proved she’s just as at home sartorially as she is on horseback.