In a delightful start to 2026, Princess Anne’s granddaughter, 13-year-old Isla Elizabeth Phillips, turned heads and sparked widespread excitement among royal enthusiasts during a family outing at the prestigious Cheltenham Racecourse on New Year’s Day. Appearing alongside her aunt, Olympic equestrian Zara Tindall, and other relatives, Isla’s uncanny likeness to Zara—particularly reminiscent of the royal’s teenage years—left fans doing double-takes and flooding social media with comments about the “mini-me” moment.

The annual New Year’s Day races at Cheltenham, a highlight in the British horse racing calendar, drew the extended Phillips-Tindall clan for a day of thrills, chills, and family bonding. Cheltenham Racecourse, nestled in the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside, is no stranger to royal visitors, thanks in part to Zara’s deep connections to the equestrian world. As a former world champion eventer and silver Olympic medalist, Zara has long been a fixture at such events, often bringing her family along to share in the excitement.

This year’s gathering was a full-family affair. Zara, 44, arrived with her husband, former England rugby captain Mike Tindall, 47, and their three children: Mia (11), Lena (7), and Lucas (4). They were joined by Zara’s brother, Peter Phillips, his fiancée Harriet Sperling, and Peter’s daughters, Savannah (15) and Isla. The group bundled up against the crisp January weather, enjoying the races from the stands with cheers, laughter, and the occasional playful antics from the younger ones.

What truly captured the public’s imagination, however, was Isla’s appearance. The teenager, with her blonde hair styled in neat plaits and wrapped warmly in a navy and grey checked scarf over a long black coat, bore a striking resemblance to photographs of a young Zara Tindall from the early 2000s. Accessorized with subtle gold earrings and a matching necklace, Isla exuded a poised yet youthful elegance that echoed her aunt’s signature style—effortless, sporty, and undeniably royal.

Royal watchers were quick to point out the similarities, with many sharing side-by-side comparisons online. One viral post juxtaposed a current photo of Isla with a 2003 image of Zara at a similar age, highlighting the shared features: bright eyes, fair hair, and that unmistakable Tindall-Phillips family charm. Comments poured in, with fans exclaiming “spitting image,” “time warp,” and “Zara’s twin from 20 years ago.” The buzz amplified the joy of seeing the next generation of this branch of the royal family stepping into the spotlight in such a natural, relatable way.

Isla, born in 2012, is the younger daughter of Peter Phillips—the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip—and his ex-wife Autumn Kelly. Along with her sister Savannah, she has largely grown up away from the intense media glare that surrounds working royals, thanks to her parents’ decision to raise them privately. Peter, who holds no royal title and works in sports marketing, has always emphasized normalcy for his girls, allowing them occasional public appearances at family-oriented events like horse trials and races.

This Cheltenham outing marks one of those rare, cherished glimpses into their lives. The cousins—Mia, Lena, Lucas, Savannah, and Isla—were photographed cheering on the horses, sharing snacks, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Young Lucas provided comic relief, pulling faces and monkeying around, prompting Zara to step into “mum mode” with a gentle telling-off. Meanwhile, the older girls, including Isla and Mia, appeared engrossed in the action, their excitement mirroring the passion for equestrian sports that runs deep in the family.

Zara herself looked every bit the style icon, opting for practical yet chic race-day attire that kept her warm in the winter chill. The day wasn’t just about fashion or racing wins; it was a celebration of family ties in a setting that holds special meaning. Cheltenham has long been associated with the royals through Zara’s achievements and her mother’s, Princess Anne’s, love of horses.

For Princess Anne, known as the hardest-working royal, these family moments offer a welcome respite. Though she wasn’t photographed at this particular event, her influence is evident in her children’s and grandchildren’s shared enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits and sport. The Princess Royal’s no-nonsense approach to life seems to have passed down, with Isla’s composed demeanor drawing praise for its maturity.

The public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the down-to-earth vibe of this royal offshoot. In an age where the monarchy navigates modern expectations, seeing younger members like Isla enjoy traditional pastimes feels reassuring. Fans noted how the Phillips-Tindall cousins represent a blend of royal heritage and everyday fun—private schooling, family holidays, and occasional public outings without the weight of titles.

As Isla enters her teenage years, this appearance has sparked speculation about her growing confidence in the public eye. While she and Savannah are not expected to undertake official duties, their occasional sightings remind us of the broader royal family tree. With strong resemblances to both Zara and the late Queen Elizabeth II in her youth, Isla is poised to continue turning heads at future events.

The Cheltenham races provided the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming family day out, kicking off 2026 on a high note. Amid the thundering hooves and cheering crowds, Isla Phillips not only stunned fans with her aunt-like looks but also embodied the enduring appeal of the royals’ more private side—joyful, connected, and utterly relatable.

In a world hungry for royal updates, moments like these—simple, spontaneous, and full of familial warmth—prove the most captivating. As the cousins grow, events such as this promise more delightful glimpses into a branch of the family that values tradition, sport, and togetherness above all.