Mike Tindall’s Unexpected Advice for Royal Ascot Involves a Top Hat and the Bathroom

Princess Anne’s son-in-law also has some smart sartorial suggestions for the posh annual event

Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall attend day one of Royal Ascot 2023 at Ascot RacecourseZara and Mike Tindall attend day one of Royal Ascot on June 20, 2023.Credit : Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Mike Tindall has been to his fair share of Royal Ascots, and now he’s sharing his top piece of advice.

Princess Anne’s son-in-law recently sat down for a social media video with The Luxury Dispatch host Tom Chamberlin, and they chatted about their best tips for attending the multi-day horse racing event.

“Never leave your hat in the toilet and forget about it,” Mike offered with a laugh. “They’re not cheap, and people know that.”

Chamberlin’s tip was similarly sartorial and also hinted at what might happen to Ascot attendees after one too many Pimm’s.

“Bring a spare shirt,” he said. “If you have a spare shirt, it might make you more comfortable if you have to change into it.”

“Do you think we’re missing out on an opportunity here just to have The Spare Shirt Shop?” Mike wondered. “It’s like a laundry on site. You come in, you get changed, we will wash this, have it pressed for you, ready to go. We could make a killing.”

During his episode of the Luxury Dispatch podcast, Mike shared more about what would make a spare shirt so vital at the Royal Ascot, which has a strict dress code, including top hats for men.

“If it’s too hot, it’s a bit of a nightmare. The sweat is ongoing. Don’t take the hat off, or it’s like, a pool of water drops out,” he joked in the interview.

Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall attend day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2025 in Ascot, England.

Zara and Mike Tindall at day one of the Royal Ascot on June 17, 2025.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

While Mike and his wife, Zara, aren’t working royals — Princess Anne chose not to title her children at birth — they do frequently attend the Ascot and take part in the ceremonial procession alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family.

“You jump in cars, the fleet of cars they use are very old, historical, good old-fashioned sort of cars, state cars, and they take you to the edge of the Great Park. It’s about a 20-minute carriage ride from start to finish,” he said about the experience.

The former England rugby star added that the procession passes “a load of schools” and “they always let the children out and wave their British flags.”

CRE: https://people.com/mike-tindall-unexpected-advice-royal-ascot-11996315