While newcomer Harriet Sperling was crowned the rising star of Royal Ascot’s opening day, former rugby ace Mike Tindall effortlessly retained his status as the royal family’s ultimate charmer through a series of playful interactions with the King and Queen.
Stepping onto the historic Berkshire racecourse, the 47-year-old sports icon displayed perfect royal etiquette by respectfully tipping his top hat to Queen Camilla, 78, a courteous gesture that instantly went viral on Instagram. However, it was his legendary “bromance” and easy banter with King Charles III, 77, that truly stole the show in the Royal Enclosure.
The Great Top Hat Truffle Prank
A candid video shared by Hello! captured a hilarious, lighthearted exchange between the monarch and his nephew-in-law. The footage begins with Mike removing his formal black top hat, only for King Charles to point out that something had fallen onto the grass.
In a delightful twist, it was revealed that Mike had hidden a miniature Charbonnel et Walker top hat filled with luxury chocolates inside his actual headpiece to present to the King. The sweet stunt drew a burst of laughter and an affectionate pat on the shoulder from the amused monarch.
Remarkably, this isn’t Mike’s first time pulling the stunt; he famously played the exact same prank on the late Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot seven years ago.
Warm Bear Hugs Amid Family Drama
Known as one of the most approachable and affable members of the Firm, Mike’s rock-solid bond with his in-laws was also on full display. Despite the ongoing media storm surrounding their father, Prince Andrew, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie received a characteristically warm welcome from Mike.
The father-of-three was all smiles as he greeted the York sisters with massive bear hugs at Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s wedding less than a fortnight ago. Onlookers on X (formerly Twitter) gushed over his affectionate nature as he planted a kiss on Beatrice’s cheek, shared a heartfelt embrace with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and offered a gentle hug to a glowing, pregnant Princess Eugenie, who is currently expecting her third child.
Harriet Sperling Makes Her High-Society Debut
Despite Mike’s comedic antics, all eyes were undeniably on Harriet Sperling yesterday as she made her official debut as a member of the Royal Family. Following an intimate Cotswolds wedding to Peter Phillips less than two weeks ago, the NHS nurse joined the prestigious traditional carriage procession.
Riding in the second landau alongside her new husband and mother-in-law, Princess Anne, 75, the new Mrs. Peter Phillips looked breathtaking in:
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A sky-blue silk Biarritz dress by Suzannah London.
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Cream Jimmy Choo slingback heels.
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A Mini Mena teardrop-style blue straw hat.
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A personalized sky-blue Anya Hindmarch clutch embroidered with her new initials, “HP.”
Princess Anne—who looked striking in a striped dress and a wide-brimmed green hat—appeared to be thoroughly enjoying her new daughter-in-law’s company, chatting animatedly as they entered the grounds. Meanwhile, Peter Phillips, 48, broke with traditional royal custom by proudly sporting a gold wedding band on his finger—a modern statement rarely adopted by royal men, including Prince William.
Heartbreak at the Royal Stables
Now managing the late Queen’s legendary stables, King Charles and Queen Camilla—who epitomized elegance in a pale blue embroidered Anna Valentine coat dress and a diamond heart brooch—cheered enthusiastically from the royal box.
Unfortunately, their hopes for an opening-day victory were dashed when their thoroughbred, Reaching High, was beaten in the Ascot Stakes by a 25-1 longshot named Kizlyar. Nevertheless, with another four royal horses slated to run later this week, the monarchs remain hopeful for a turnaround in fortunes.
