Zara Tindall, Queen Mary of Denmark, and Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands were among a contingent of European royals at the opening gala for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. The event, which draws over 800 athletes and horses competing in six disciplines, takes place every four years.
Tindall, 45, attended the event during a break from the Royal Family's annual summer holiday, wearing a tuxedo jumpsuit by Frame and sunglasses from Finlay and Co. Princess Catharina-Amalia, 22, chose a striped dress from Nina Blanc, a bag from Elie Saab, and green suede pumps. She was observed to proudly display an arm scar sustained during a horse-riding accident that led to surgery last year.
The Princess of Orange's scar drew comparisons to Princess Eugenie, who has a visible scar on her back from scoliosis treatment. Catharina-Amalia had previously shown the mark at the championship's official opening, seen as a symbol of her dedication to equestrian sports despite her accident.
Queen Mary of Denmark, 54, arrived in a polka dot top and skirt by Diane von Furstenberg, complemented by a Dolce and Gabbana belt and Christian Louboutin pumps. Also in attendance was 84-year-old Princess Benedikte of Denmark, a patron of the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses. Infanta Elena represented the Spanish Royal Family in a blue shirt, floral trousers, and a white jacket.
The FEI World Championships feature equestrian disciplines including Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Para Dressage, Driving, and Vaulting. The event runs until August 23.
Zara Tindall's presence highlights her long-standing connection to horses. She won a team silver medal in eventing at the London 2012 Olympic Games and a gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen in 2006. She also earned a team silver medal at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy in 2014. Her mother, Princess Anne, was the first British royal to compete in the Olympics, though her own Olympic hopes were dashed by a horse injury in 1972. Tindall has continued to participate in equestrian events, most recently at the Barbury Horse Trials in April.
