5 Royals Who Made Major Fashion Blunders at Ascot 2026

Royal Ascot is one of the biggest events on the royal calendar, and dressing up for it is practically part of the tradition. Looking picture-perfect is the only option for the royals while also following the strict rules. But now and then, an outfit misses the mark and gets people talking. Be it a questionable hat or an outfit, these royal fashion blunders have been more discussed than the races themselves.

Princess Anne usually keeps things elegant, but this one was one of those outfits that made people do a double-take. The colorful pattern running across her entire coat seemed to go on forever, making the look feel much busier than her usual style. The hat did keep things coordinated, but there was already so much going on that the overall outfit felt a bit too much for Ascot. While the silhouette is classic Anne, it is one of her most questionable outfits.

Sophie never seems to get it wrong when it comes to fashion, but this look came off as a bit more serious for Ascot. Although the black dress was quite polished, it lacked the playful feel that people usually expect from the event. While everyone else was choosing to wear bright colors, the all-black dress blended into the background. It was elegant, sure, but not the kind of outfit that was Ascot-like.

Now, this is a tricky one. Wardrobe-related? Sure. But not in the way you think. For Mike Tindall, it wasn't the outfit itself that got people talking, but what happened with one of the accessories. While greeting King Charles, he politely tipped his hat as part of the traditional exchange, but a small item unexpectedly fell out from inside. The moment instantly got people talking and wondering what was inside, which was later revealed to be a tiny Charbonnel et Walker top hat filled with chocolates.

Zara Tindall got it right with her outfit on Ascot Day 1, so naturally, expectations were high when she returned for the second day. But the second look did not have quite the magic. The dark-too-dress felt a bit too autumnal for a sunny day at Ascot. On top of that, the oversized flowers made it look a little crowded. There is nothing necessarily wrong with the outfit, but it did not have the usual effortless feel that Tindall seems to bring to every event.

Harriet Sperling had only just married Peter Phillips, and the expectation was a bit more sparkle from the newlywed for her first Ascot. But instead, she went for a super safe look in a pale blue dress and matching accessories. While there was nothing wrong with the outfit, it felt too reserved for such a special occasion. It lacked the personality and excitement that many hoped her outfit would bring to the event.