The Royal Ascot best dressed guests day three! Zara Tindall and Princess Beatrice of York are the picture of elegance at the races
By Chandler Tregaskes
Zahra’s father, Prince Karim al-Husayni, the Aga Khan IV, passed away earlier this year at the age of 88. Revered not only as the 49th hereditary Imam of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims, but also as one of the most influential figures in high society, he was known for his close ties with the British monarchy. Over the course of his life, he was a frequent guest at state banquets and celebrations hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and the former Prince and Princess of Wales.
Born in 1936 to Prince Aly Khan and British aristocrat Joan Yarde-Buller (daughter of the 3rd Baron Churston), the Aga Khan inherited his title and spiritual mantle following the death of his grandfather in 1957. Over the next six decades, he would steer his global Ismaili community through seismic shifts, decolonisation in Africa, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the rise of extremism in the Middle East.
Zahra photographed as a child with her late father Aga Khan IV and mother Salma Agha
PAT/Getty Images
Though he had no political territory, he was often received like a head of state when he travelled. Holder of a British passport, he spent a great deal of his time aloft in his private aircraft. His world was one of fabled wealth, exquisite châteaux, an enviable private jet collection, a fleet of yachts, and, of course, his greatest passion, thoroughbred racing.