Carole Middleton faced an unexpected fashion clash at Cheltenham Festival after stepping out in a coat strikingly similar to one worn by Zara Tindall. The Princess of Wales’s mother arrived at the Gloucestershire racecourse for the glamorous Ladies Day celebrations looking effortlessly elegant in a tailored checked coat – a classic race-day staple.

The royal, 44, leaned into rich seasonal tones for the second day of the festival, wearing a grey coat with subtle burgundy checks that cinched neatly at the waist.

She paired the tailored piece with a dramatic burgundy fascinator, sleek black boots and a matching velvet handbag, creating a chic race-day ensemble that perfectly captured the spirit of the stylish event.

It also seemed Carole embraced the idea of “something blue and something borrowed”, pairing her checked coat with a navy hat believed to belong to her daughter, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who first wore the piece in 2020, along with brown boots and a large structured handbag.

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With the royal favouring bold colour palettes throughout the festival so far, it’s possible Carole may have drawn a little inspiration from Zara’s standout race-day style.

The pair were later seen chatting and mingling trackside, where their almost matching coats created an unexpected style-twin moment between the two stylish women.

Carole was also photographed alongside several well-known faces at the event, including Cold Feet star James Nesbitt, as guests gathered to enjoy the racing at the famous course

The actor appeared in good spirits as he chatted with the stylish group while soaking up the lively atmosphere around the enclosures.

Carole is a familiar face at the annual festival and has attended the event many times over the years. In previous seasons she has even been spotted enjoying the racing alongside her daughter, Catherine, Princess of Wales, with the pair frequently embracing elegant tailoring and classic countryside style.