Zara Tindall Has a Triple Greeting for Uncle King Charles at Royal Ascot, Including Cute Curtsy

**Zara Tindall Greets King Charles at Royal Ascot with Warmth and Tradition**

Members of the royal family gathered at Ascot Racecourse on June 16, 2026, to kick off the much-anticipated first day of Royal Ascot. Among them was Zara Tindall, who displayed a charming blend of familiarity and formal protocol in her greeting to her uncle, King Charles III.

As the festivities commenced, Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne, was seen sharing a heartfelt moment with the King. Footage from the event, circulated by Hello! magazine, captured the 45-year-old equestrian as she approached the King with a graceful triple greeting. She greeted him with a wave, followed by a respectful curtsy, and concluded with a kiss on the cheek—a show of both affection and royal etiquette.

The royal moment unfolded after Zara discreetly alerted her husband, Mike Tindall, who was momentarily distracted by his phone. She prompted him with a gentle tap, signalling that it was time to pay their respects to the King. Before greeting her uncle, Zara removed her sunglasses, symbolising her readiness to engage in the traditional royal interactions.

In addition to her touching greeting for King Charles, Zara also took a moment to acknowledge Queen Camilla. She executed a simultaneous curtsy and kiss on the cheek, further exemplifying her understanding of royal protocol. Meanwhile, Mike Tindall, the former rugby player, embraced the King with a playful one-armed hug. Their exchange was lighthearted, with laughter shared between them as King Charles playfully nudged Mike on the arm—a glimpse into the warmth that characterises their familial bond.

While the royal family’s official guidelines suggest there are no mandatory rules for meeting members of the monarchy, traditional etiquette still plays an integral role in royal interactions. Women are generally expected to offer a small curtsy, while men are encouraged to bow their necks, practices that Zara and Mike adhered to with ease.

Joining the royal family at Ascot was also Harriet Sperling, who made her debut as Peter Phillips’ wife following their wedding on June 6. The new Mrs. Peter Phillips displayed accessories that commemorated her recent nuptials, including a name badge showcasing her married name, along with elegant jewellery crafted by the British jeweller Pragnell. This addition not only highlighted her new status but also underscored the joys of personal milestones celebrated within the royal folds.

This year’s Royal Ascot marks a continuation of a hectic period for the royal family, following closely behind the wedding of Peter and Harriet, as well as other significant events, including Trooping the Colour and Garter Day, both of which took place over the preceding days. Notably, the Phillips siblings—Zara and Peter—did not participate in the public ceremonies held earlier, given their status as non-working royals. Princess Anne chose not to bestow royal titles upon her children at birth, a decision Zara has previously described as a fortunate development.

Despite not holding formal titles, Zara and her brother are regular fixtures at royal events, often seen enjoying the more social aspects of royal life. Mike Tindall has expressed how participating in the Royal Procession at Ascot is a cherished experience. He shared his fondness for this tradition during a recent appearance on The Luxury Dispatch podcast, recounting the joyous scene of schoolchildren waving flags as the procession passes by. The excitement he described builds to a crescendo when the anthem plays as the royal cavalcade approaches the racetrack—a moment he regards as truly special.

As the event continued, the royal atmosphere was filled not only with the splendour of racing but also with family connections and kindness, exemplified by Zara’s thoughtful greetings. With each gesture of warmth and engagement, the Tindalls emphasised the importance of tradition amid the evolving narratives of modern royal life.

Royal Ascot remains a grand highlight in the British social calendar, representing not only the thrill of horse racing but also the enduring spirit of royal family traditions and the bonds that unify them. The Tindalls’ participation embodies a blend of respect for established customs, alongside personal warmth, as the family continues to navigate their unique roles within the monarchy.