Think you’ve seen every possible headpiece at Royal Ascot? Well think again, as Zara Tindall’s latest choice is the bold and modern choice that demonstrates exactly how to do headwear for formal events – and we’re taking notes.

For day three at Ascot Racecourse, Zara arrived alongside her husband Mike Tindall, wearing an elegant look that went big on geometric lines. Her Laura Green dress (the ‘Camille’) featured contrasting collars and cuffs and drew a cross shape, thanks to its central stripe that cleverly combines with a waist-belt.

ascot, united kingdom june 19: (embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 24 hours after create date and time) zara tindall and mike tindall attend day three ladies day of royal ascot at ascot racecourse on june 19, 2025 in ascot, england. (photo by max mumby/indigo/getty images)
Max Mumby/Indigo

But it was Zara’s hat which really stole the show, incorporating Saturn-like rings to add further geometric stripes to the outfit, tying her look together beautifully.

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‘Zara’s ‘rings of Saturn’ hat breaks away from the usual avant-garde Ascot headwear, through minimalist features that seamlessly create a wholly coherent outfit,’ says GH junior fashion editor Corin Ripley. ‘No flowers, flounce or fuss needed here, as the understated elegance of the boater-style millinery speaks for itself. Bravo, Zara!’

celebrities and members of the royal family attend royal ascot on 19th june 2025 at ascot racecourse, berkshire, uk.
Karwai Tang

Zara finished the look with the Mulberry Amberley Clutch as she joined other members of the Royal Family for another day at Ascot on Thursday (20 June), including Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who were celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary.

For the special occasion, The Duchess turned to one of her favourite designers and wore a long-sleeve silk dress by Suzannah London – the Veronique Full Length Silk Tea Dress. The white base was a subtle nod to the wedding-related occasion, while the green-flecked print shifted it away from feeling too bridal.

Other royals including Zara’s mother Princess Anne, The King and Queen, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and The Prince of Wales have also been getting in on the horse racing action this year. Attendance Royal Ascot by members of the Royal Family is a tradition dating back hundreds of years and includes a procession by carriage, which continues today.