Zara Tindall's Masterclass in Diplomatic Dressing Down Under

Zara Tindall mastered diplomatic dressing as she joined husband Mike Tindall on the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions raceday. Zara, whose mother is Princess Anne, looked in sunny spirits during a photo opportunity at the event, for which she and her rugby-playing partner have served as ambassadors for over a decade. As is to be expected from such a fashion-forward royal, the Olympian’s outfit was a combination of elegant style and subtle diplomatic gestures. The mother-of-three opted for a pink mini dress from Rebecca Vallance, an Australian designer beloved by the likes of Princess Beatrice and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium. With a high neckline, short sleeves, and delicate floral designs, the ensemble was a reminder of why Zara was crowned among Tatler’s best dressed list last year. In a clever touch, the dress was tailored from broderie anglaise, a needlework technique associated with all things England. The perfect blend of Australian and English – perfect for Zara Tindall, who has described the Gold Coast as a ‘home away from home’. During an interview at the event, Mike and Zara explained that, while they had thoroughly enjoyed their time Down Under, there was a very important reason why they had to get back to Britain, where they live at Gatcombe Park, the Princess Royal’s estate. ‘I’ve got a few competitions this year, and there’s a lot going on with the kids,’ Zara explained, referencing her three children, Mia, Lena, and Lucas Tindall. ‘We missed Mia’s birthday, so we’ve got to get home,’ Mike added, before Zara joked ‘she’s not very happy with us!’ The oldest Tindall daughter turned 12 on Saturday 17 January. Mia Tindall, like her parents, can always be counted on to lighten up an engagement, whether she’s playing alongside the Wales children at Sandringham Christmas celebrations or standing side-by-side with her cousin, Savannah Phillips, at the Cheltenham Racecourse New Year’s Day meet. Zara’s fashion has made headlines throughout her 2026 outing to the Gold Coast, where she played polo alongside her fellow ambassadors, Nacho Figueras and Billy Slater, a close friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Ambassadors are all thought to be great friends, though, as Mike admitted in an interview ahead of the race, things can get a little heated when it comes to competition time. ‘Look, it gets competitive, I’m not even going to lie about it,’ he told The Star Gold Coast. ‘I think there’ll be some early nights – not by me obviously, I’m here for the long haul – but it gets very competitive.’ Who was Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark? Read More When asked how he thought Zara might fare at the event, he suggested that it would be tight on the finish line: ‘She’s very competitive, but I know Billy wants to win, and I know Nacho wants to win it once. So I’m going to stick with my wife because it’s safest.’ While her mother, the Princess Royal, is known for her penchant for re-wearing items of clothing, Zara has opted for a whole new wardrobe for the Magic Millions. On 11 January, she stepped out in a whimsical floral midi dress by Aje, which she paired with an elegant hat by Akubra. Like many royals, Zara understands how to send a message with her clothing choices, and while on the Gold Coast, she has been highlighting Australian brands, with Sunday’s outing no different. Another new addition to her wardrobe was the Oroton Etta clutch bag in a mocha colour, while she turned to an old favourite in her Tommy Hilfiger block heel platform sandals. Instagram content Success came in more ways than one for the 44-year-old, who claimed the title in an exciting polo match – and the Magic Millions team was quick to celebrate on Instagram, writing that they ‘love seeing’ Zara and Mike in Australia. ‘To make this visit even more sweeter, Zara takes home the Polo trophy for team Pommery Champagne this afternoon, while the morning saw her saddle up Rescoria in the Magic Millions Queensland Off-The-Track Cup!’ Read More Queen Elizabeth II had ‘many subtle kindnesses': Couturier Stewart Parvin reflects on life as a royal dressmaker – including the honour of designing Zara Tindall's wedding dress – as he celebrates 30 years Regarded as the final bastion of British couture, Stewart Parvin sits down with style editor Chandler Tregaskes to discuss old-world glamour for a new age and the many tales that have escaped like whispers from his Motcomb Street salon over the last 30 years The day before was a slightly more formal affair, as Zara Tindall rubbed shoulders with polo player Nacho and Delphina at the Gold Coast Turf Club. The King’s niece also debuted a new look for the occasion, though one with a tested royal legacy. Stepping out in a midnight blue mini dress by Rebecca Vallance, Zara was the picture of regal elegance, pairing the look with a Jimmy Choo bag and a ‘Zara Tindall’ white gold and diamond bracelet from her collaboration with Calleija. Instagram content Rebecca Vallance was also the name of the game on Friday, when Zara wore a puffed-sleeve midi dress to present an award at the Magic Millions Racing Women Awards, taking to the stage to crown Jessica Tzaferis as the winner of the Tasmania & South Australian category. Zara Tindall spent last week relaxing ahead of the fortnight of polo and racing, including a day out with Mike and his fellow rugby star, Drew Mitchell. It was an informal outing for Zara, who proved once more that she is the queen of casual chic, pairing a white tank top with a pair of white shorts and sandals by Tory Burch. Her Aspinal of London bag, of course, was on hand to provide a royal touch. Read More Meet Edward Bluemel: the star of Agatha Christie's Seven Dials and the most charming man on television, probably From the comfort of his bed, the star of The Seven Dials Mystery and My Lady Jane talks Shakespeare, snogs, and skin-tight suits Another reunion was on the cards when Zara went shopping with racing royalty Kate Waterhouse, stepping out in a scarlet midi dress by Leo Lin, which she paired with her trusted Apsinal of London Camera crossbody bag. As the pair return home for a busy period of equestrian competitions (which Zara often turns into a family day out), no doubt there will be plenty of opportunities for the royal rider to showcase her impeccable race day style.