In a light-hearted moment that reflects the ever-watchful eye of fashion media, Zara Tindall, Olympic equestrian and daughter of Princess Anne, has responded with humor to the online chatter comparing her style to that of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.

The topic? Burgundy — a color that has become a wardrobe favorite among several members of the British royal family in recent years.

Burgundy in Royal Fashion: A Shared Color Story

The color burgundy, often associated with elegance and autumnal chic, has featured prominently in royal wardrobes — from Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, to Princess Beatrice, and more recently, Meghan Markle and Zara Tindall.

According to a fashion retrospective published by Harper’s Bazaar UK, burgundy is a tone that has been embraced by royals for decades, especially during public engagements and seasonal events. The publication highlights examples such as Kate Middleton’s 2018 double-breasted Paule Ka blazer, Princess Eugenie’s burgundy velvet gown at a charity gala, and Zara Tindall’s appearance at Cheltenham Racecourse in 2019 wearing a fitted wine-colored coat paired with a fascinator of the same hue.

Meghan Markle’s Burgundy Look

In 2022, Meghan Markle made headlines for her appearance in a monochrome burgundy ensemble during a promotional video for her Spotify podcast “Archetypes.” She wore a sleek blouse and trousers that matched in tone, drawing praise from media outlets such as Vogue UK, which described her look as “modern, confident, and powerfully styled.”

Shortly afterward, comparisons began to circulate online and in tabloids, suggesting that Meghan had “popularized” the color within royal circles. These claims, while widely circulated, are not grounded in chronological fact, as multiple public appearances by other royals in similar hues predate Meghan’s moment.

Zara Tindall’s Response: Good-Natured and Unbothered

While some tabloids attempted to create friction over who wore burgundy first, Zara Tindall responded in a light-hearted and dismissive tone. Speaking with a reporter during the Magic Millions Carnival in Australia, Zara reportedly chuckled at the media buzz and declined to engage in any form of competitive commentary over fashion.

Though no direct quote was provided in the public transcript, a representative familiar with the event confirmed to The Times that Zara “laughed off the comparisons as just another example of how fashion gets spun into royal drama.”

Her response echoes the general attitude often shown by Zara, who maintains a relatively private profile despite her royal lineage and focuses primarily on her equestrian career and charitable engagements.

Fashion Overlap in Royal Circles

Fashion overlaps among royal women are not uncommon. Designers such as Emilia Wickstead, Jenny Packham, and Alexander McQueen are regularly featured across the wardrobes of several royal family members. As Grazia Magazine pointed out in a feature on “Royal Style Twins,” similarities in color, cut, and even entire outfits are not unusual — and often a result of shared stylists or preferences rather than competition.

According to Hello! Magazine, royal women often coordinate color palettes around seasonal themes or official engagements. Burgundy, navy, forest green, and pastel tones frequently reappear in royal fashion, especially during the autumn and winter months.

The Bigger Picture: Style as Personal Expression

For Zara Tindall, style remains a matter of personal taste rather than media commentary. In an interview with Town & Country Magazine, she stated: “I like clothes that are comfortable, tailored, and classic — especially for events where you need to be outdoors or moving around.”

Zara, known for her practical yet elegant sense of fashion, has long blended equestrian-inspired aesthetics with classic British tailoring. Her appearances at Royal Ascot, Trooping the Colour, and charity events often feature structured coats, midi dresses, and hats from British milliners.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle’s fashion choices — often favoring modern silhouettes, minimalist accessories, and American or Canadian designers — reflect her background in entertainment and global humanitarian work. Outlets such as InStyle and The Cut have praised her for bringing a fresh, international perspective to royal fashion during her time as a working royal.

Public Reactions and Media Tone

Public reaction to the so-called “burgundy debate” has largely ranged from amusement to indifference. On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, users commented humorously on the coincidence of outfits while noting that it’s natural for people to gravitate toward popular seasonal colors.

Fashion journalist Sarah Mower, writing for Vogue, noted that “burgundy has long been a staple in both couture and ready-to-wear, and any conversation about ‘who wore it first’ often misses the point of fashion as a shared cultural and artistic experience.”

Avoiding Manufactured Rivalries

While some tabloid headlines may attempt to pit royal women against each other in fashion comparisons, reputable media outlets have increasingly shifted away from these narratives. Publications like The Guardian and BBC Lifestyle have emphasized the importance of not sensationalizing style overlaps, especially when there’s no evidence of conflict or rivalry.

In a 2023 op-ed for The Independent, cultural commentator Victoria Richards wrote: “There is no need to fuel unnecessary speculation when women — royal or otherwise — wear similar colors or styles. Style is not a zero-sum game.”

Embracing Individuality and Respecting Privacy

Ultimately, Zara Tindall and Meghan Markle, despite differences in public roles and personal journeys, each bring unique influences to modern royal fashion. Zara’s country-chic and sporty sensibility complements her equestrian lifestyle, while Meghan’s blend of Californian minimalism and royal formality reflects her transatlantic identity.

Both women continue to focus on their respective careers, philanthropic work, and families — far removed from the superficial chatter of “who wore it first.”

Conclusion: A Shared Color, Not a Contest

The use of burgundy in royal wardrobes is best understood as part of a long-standing tradition of seasonal elegance. Zara Tindall’s light-hearted response to fashion headlines reminds observers that royal style is not a battleground — it’s a shared canvas where individuality, heritage, and modernity meet.

Rather than fueling speculation, the focus should remain on celebrating the diverse ways in which members of the royal family express themselves through fashion — with grace, humor, and authenticity.

Sources Cited:

• Harper’s Bazaar UK
• Vogue UK
• Hello! Magazine
• Town & Country
• The Guardian
• The Times
• BBC Lifestyle
• The Independent
• InStyle
• Grazia Magazine