In a delightful start to 2026, four-year-old Lucas Tindall, son of Zara and Mike Tindall, has captured royal fans’ hearts with playful antics at the New Year’s Day races in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on January 1—earning comparisons to his famously cheeky cousin, Prince Louis. Dressed smartly in a dark green shirt, black trousers, and brown suede boots, Lucas swung from balcony railings, stuck out his tongue, and dangled playfully, prompting his mother Zara to lean down for a gentle word. These moments, captured in the Royal Box at Cheltenham Racecourse’s Princess Royal Stand, have sparked headlines dubbing Lucas as launching an “epic challenge” to seven-year-old Prince Louis’s crown as the family’s most entertaining young member.

The Tindall family—Zara, 44, former rugby star Mike, 47, daughters Mia, 11, and Lena, 7—joined cousins Savannah, 15, and Isla, 13 (daughters of Peter Phillips), for the traditional outing. While the older children watched the races attentively, Lucas’s energetic display stole the show, reminding observers of Prince Louis’s iconic expressions and gestures during events like Trooping the Colour and Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Fans online quickly noted the resemblance, with one viral comment proclaiming Lucas “the new Prince Louis,” highlighting how both boys embody unfiltered childhood joy in the public eye.

Zara, an Olympic silver medalist in equestrian eventing and daughter of Princess Anne, balanced mum duties with enjoyment, intervening when Lucas’s monkeying around escalated. Mike, known for his humorous insights into royal life, was seen laughing alongside the group. The event underscores the close-knit bonds among the younger royals, who often play together privately. Past revelations from Zara and Mike describe competitive games between the Tindall kids and Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Louis, fostering sibling-like rivalries in sports and fun.

This cheeky “challenge” is all in good spirit, reflecting the more relaxed upbringing of non-working royals like the Tindalls compared to the Wales children, who face greater scrutiny. Prince Louis has long endeared himself with candid reactions—covering ears during flypasts or pulling faces on balconies—making him a fan favorite. Now, Lucas appears poised to share that spotlight, bringing fresh mischief to family gatherings.

The Cheltenham races mark a beloved tradition for the equestrian-loving clan, offering a casual contrast to formal royal duties. As 2026 unfolds, these glimpses of normalcy amid fame delight the public, proving that even in royalty, kids will be kids. Lucas’s antics not only amused onlookers but reinforced the enduring charm of the next generation.