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Zara Tindall's animated day out at Ascot

Wilnelia Merced
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The royal fillies were on fine form at Ascot - led by Zara Tindall, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying a day off from her own equestrian training. The Queen's granddaughter, who is an Olympic silver medallist, laughed and hugged her way through the day, accompanied by her best friend Dolly Maude.

Both wearing yellow, the two friends were seen cheering and whooping from the royal box.

zara phillips 2 © Photo: Getty Images

Zara Tindall and her best friend Dolly Maude enjoyed a day at the races

When Zara met up with Prince Harry, the pretty blonde immediately pulled him in for a hug. Princess Beatrice, pretty in a striking Sixties-style skirt and blouse by Roksanda Ilincic, got the same treatment.

Zara's husband Mike Tindall made everyone laugh by dropping into an exaggerated curtsey before the arrival of the senior royals. However, the former rugby star was back on his best behaviour as he greeted his mother-in-law Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal provided a talking point herself by wearing a 35-year-old outfit. Still as slim as in her own days of equestrian competition, Anne looked elegant in a caramel belted coat and silk print dress, topped off with a feathered hat.

zara phillips 3 © Photo: Getty Images

The pair were having a whale of a time as they attended Royal Ascot

The family gathering on Tuesday follows the Trooping the Colour which was Prince George's first time at the ceremony and a polo match in Gloucestershire where he ran rings round his mother the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton.

This time the children - including the Tindalls' daughter Mia - had been left at home. Zara has spoken about combining motherhood with her demanding training programme. She even laughed as she explained that some reports had mistakenly identified Dolly who has four children of her own, as her nanny.

The sportswoman is hoping to repeat her London 2012 success by competing at the Rio Olympics next year.

zara phillips 5 © Photo: Getty Images

Zara catches up with Prince Harry

However, despite this and the fact she allowed herself a glass of wine her appearance at Ascot sparked rumours that she might be expecting again. These were firmly quashed by her spokesman who told the Daily Mail: "Zara is not pregnant – her plans remain the same in terms of her preparation for Rio 2016."

Other stars at the racecourse included actor Damian Lewis, Bruce Forsyth and wife Wilnelia and Jackie St Clair.

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