Romantic frolics by the pool as Mike and Zara use package deal honeymoon to kiss and make up

By Amanda Perthen


Sunnier times: Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips relax by the pool of their Cypriot hotel

Rugby player Mike Tindall is pictured in another embrace with a glamorous blonde... but thankfully, this time it’s his wife Zara Phillips.

The newlyweds were clearly determined to put the tensions caused by the England star’s infamous nightclub encounter behind them last week, as they relaxed playfully on a belated honeymoon.

And rather than choose the elite playgrounds of Mustique or the Maldives for their romantic getaway, the couple chose a package-deal hotel in Cyprus.

All is forgiven: The couple canoodled in the pool following the scandal over the rugby player's antics in New Zealand

At the Columbia Beach Resort, near Limassol, they mingled happily with other guests, queuing for beach towels before sunbathing beside the packed lagoon pool.

It was in stark contrast to the more strained atmosphere between the couple last month when grainy CCTV pictures were published of Tindall canoodling with his 29-year-old ex, Jessica Palmer, in the Altitude bar in Queenstown.

The Queen’s granddaughter and her husband arrived at the Cypriot resort last week, just 48 hours after Tindall flew back to the UK following England’s World Cup defeat, and shortly after she finished competing in horse trials in the Netherlands. The couple spent most of their time sunbathing and reading, occasionally going to the beach bar.

Tindall even chose to sunbathe yesterday, rather than watch the Wales v France World Cup semi-final.

Earlier in the holiday, 30-year-old Zara rubbed suntan lotion into her husband’s back, before he returned the favour, ready for a few hours basking in the 26c heat.

At one point they plunged into the pool, with Zara whispering in Tindall’s ear and laughing, oblivious to the other guests, most of whom failed to recognise the famous couple.

On the one occasion Tindall was approached by a young boy for an autograph, he happily complied while Zara chatted to his mother.

Later, Zara sat up topless clutching a towel around herself after sunbathing face down with her bikini top undone. The couple laughed and joked as they swapped an iPad between them, but they seemed fidgety, clearly unused to spending hours just doing nothing.

Moving forward: Husband and wife looked happy again on their romantic getaway

Lazy days: The pair looked a little fidgety as they took some time off from their active lifestyles

Zara playfully smacked Tindall’s bottom with her book as he rearranged his towel, and she seemed unwilling to let him settle into his own reading, playfully putting her foot into his mouth as a distraction.

Every morning the couple were the last down to breakfast at 10.30am, with Tindall, 32, tucking into a full English while Zara had fruit and cereal, before heading for the pool.

The couple managed to maintain their sporty pursuits in the hotel’s spa, which boasts a gym and aerobics room, with Zara borrowing a pair of trainers from staff for her workout.

Before Tindall headed to Cyprus, his colleague Manu Tuilagi jokingly recreated the infamous nightclub photograph by planting a kiss on his head. ‘I thought kissing him at the airport was just a laugh,’ he said.


source:dailymail

On his best behaviour: Tindall is left carrying the suitcase as Zara is reunited with sheepish husband

By Richard Shears In Dunedin


Showdown: Zara and Mike arriving at their hotel in Dunedin... with Tindall left carrying the heavy suitcase


Mike Tindall looked decidedly sheepish at yesterday's press conference, despite claiming the past week had 'not really' been a difficult time.

And following his troublesome night out on the tiles last week, the rugby star is clearly still on his best behaviour.

Within minutes of being reunited with his wife of seven weeks in Dunedin New Zealand, where the England Rugby team is based, Tindall had fallen into line.

Better together: Zara (right, with black hat) and Tindall (left, in grey top) are meeting for the first time since the rugby player's infamous night out last week


As Zara strolled into their hotel carrying her small handbag, Mike followed with a heavy-looking suitcase that must have been the one his wife had traveled to New Zealand with.

The chivalrous move, and reassuring words that were exchanged in private, clearly worked as Zara and Mike were all smiles when they emerged from their hotel this morning.

Zara and Mike Tindall have tried their best to put the mystery blonde rumours behind them.

At a press conference yesterday, the few words the rugby captain uttered during left little doubt that he was contrite about his drunken behaviour in a New Zealand bar.

Meanwhile, Zara's movements made it clear this was a matter to be sorted out between the two of them in absolute privacy.

Off the hook: Zara and Mike looked happy and relaxed as they left the Southern Cross Hotel together this morning

Fresh-faced: The couple did not look like they had lost much sleep over the mystery blonde rumours


The Queen's 30-year-old granddaughter cleverly dodged every professional photographer as she bunny-hopped her way down through New Zealand before being snapped in a grainy image as she hurried across the airport tarmac when she arrived in the southern city of Dunedin.

A short time later Zara confronted her 32-year-old husband of seven weeks after she was rushed in through a rear entrance of the players' five-star Southern Cross Hotel - while he followed carrying the suitcase.

What then went on when they finally met 11 nights after he was seen on a 12-minute security video cuddling up to and kissing the blonde woman will perhaps never be revealed.

All smiles: The newlyweds relaxed with their friends inside the hotel...

... then headed out for a coffee making it clear that they are not going to hide away from the media


But they seem to have put their troubles behind them. The couple both looked relaxed and happy as they went to a local cafe this morning for a coffee.

When Tindall faced the media for the first time yesterday at a Press conference in Dunedin to talk about the England team's World Cup game against Romania tomorrow he was sheepish and clearly reluctant to be reminded of his late-night antics in Queenstown, 110 miles away.

Asked whether the past days since the video became viral had been a challenging time, his mumbled reply of 'not really' did not appear to convince those present in the room.

United front: Zara landed in Auckland yesterday on Wednesday but wasn't reunited with her husband until last night


Yes, he admitted, that he had been disappointed he was not called upon to play in the following weekend's game against Georgia, adding: 'Obviously, you want to play every game.' He was pushed on whether whether the CCTV footage, which has resulted in the bouncer who posted it on YouTube being charged with illegally obtaining it, was likely to have affected his game in any way, he replied: 'I hope it's fine.'

Appearing uneasy about the questions as he was pressed for more details about the night, he was saved by the intervention of England coach Martin Johnson who said: 'We've put it to bed - we've played since then, it's not an issue.

'I spoke in a long press conference about it last week. We've had that conversation.

Feeling sheepish? Mike Tindall handled the inevitable questions about his marriage with ease

Relaxed: Zara beamed as she addressed a charity function in Auckland on Wednesday night


'We're looking forward to another game this weekend.'

While Tindall was ducking the questions in Dunedin, Zara was dodging pursuing photographers in the North Island - and managed to do so successfully with a little help from friends.

She had arrived in the country on Wednesday and made a surprise appearance at a charity event in Auckland. There was widespread speculation that she would be flying directly from Auckland to Dunedin yesterday, but no one saw her at Auckland airport yesterday.

Then came the revelation that she had turned up for lunch at the Gintrap Cafe and Bar in the east coast town of Napier, on the North Island.

The bar's manager confirmed she had enjoyed lunch with two friends at the cafe, when she ate calamari, while another friend dined on fish and chips.

Word was spread by officials in Dunedin that she would be arriving at the airport later that evening, but she surprised most photographers by arriving on a flight from Wellington earlier than expected.

'We have moved on': England coach Martin Johnson defended his star player from questions about the Nightclub upset


Dressed in dark clothing and a black hat, she was accompanied by a female friend as she dashed across the airport tarmac to a waiting silver Range Rover.

The vehicle then sped away, with a police car tailing it to cut off anyone who attempted to follow it.

She arrived at the Southern Cross Hotel a short time later and was whisked in through a rear door. There was no sign of her after that and it was believed she had gone straight to her husband's room.

Because of the secrecy surrounding her movements, it was not immediately known whether she planned to spend the night in the hotel.

Unlike restrictions placed on other national teams, coach Martin Johnson has made it clear he has no problem with WAGS - wives and girlfriends - staying with players during a tour.

Media attention: Tindall will be wishing the press had focused on the team's performance rather than his embarrassing night out


'You've got to trust them to make decisions on the field so you've got to do the same off it as well,' said Johnson as the players were preparing to leave for New Zealand.

'If you can't trust them at any point, then there are simply choices for us to make.

'You've got to have a balance in your life. The best thing you can have is your family there. I did in 2003. They give you some normality.

'The wives and girlfriends are all very sensible and very supportive and just want their partners to have a good experience in terms of playing.'

Ironically, Mr Johnson had added: 'It's a different world to 20 years ago when I toured New Zealand with the Lions and the boys had fun. Things have changed.

Troublesome behaviour: Mike Tindall was seen getting his head kissed by a mystery blonde on September 11

Happier times: Tindall and Zara on their wedding day seven weeks ago


'You've got to be careful and not put yourself or your team mates at risk.'

New Zealanders in Queenstown yesterday, the scene of Mr Tindall's drunken behaviour, were playing a guessing game over what might happen when Zara met him later in the day.

'We've seen him looking fresh faced on TV today - so if we see him tomorrow with a black eye, we'll know it wasn't from a rugby game,' said one wag.

Another said that the next few days would reveal whether Zara had forgiven her husband for his behaviour.

'If they put on a united show of love for one another, then we'll know she's allowed it to all blown over. It all depends on how they are with one another in the coming days.'

Mike Tindall is expected to train with the team at the Dunedin stadium today and Zara is expected to watch him play tomorrow.



source:dailymail

United front: Zara is all smiles as she arrives in New Zealand 'to quash Mike Tindall's mystery blonde rumours'

By Nick Fagge and Richard Shears


Confident: Zara Phillips is all smiles at a charity event in Auckland today


Wearing a little black dress and a wide smile, Zara Phillips seemed not to have a care in the world as she appeared at a charity event in New Zealand today.

The Queen's granddaughter has reunited with England rugby captain Mike Tindall, who is currently training for a World Cup match against Romania on Saturday, after footage emerged of his antics with a mystery blonde just seven weeks into their marriage.

Zara confidently addressed the audience for the occasion, held by CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, of which she is the international patron.

The Queen's granddaughter addressed the audience as the international patron of CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust


BBC sports correspondent Dan Roan broke the news that she would be flying in to New Zealand on Twitter yesterday afternoon.

He wrote: 'Dunedin Airport could be busier than normal on Friday. That's when Zara Philipps [sic] arrives to catch up with MrTindall - & there's no VIP exit'.

She's on the way: BBC News Sports Correspondent Dan Roan broke the news on Twitter


That tweet was closely followed by another: 'Hear Zara's already left - on her way to Australia -where she'll spend couple of days before arriving in Dunedin on Friday. Eng v Rom Sat'y'.

Zara has already gone some way towards brushing away infidelity rumours by winning first prize in an International three day horse trial in Ireland over the weekend.

But the strain the news had put on her was clear to see in early stages of the three-day event.

Things are looking up: Zara Phillips is shown receiving her 1st after winning the three-day eventing at the International Horse Trials in Ballindenisk, Co Cork (right), after looking glum earlier in the weekend (left)


The horse trials began after news broke that her 32-year-old husband had been caught on film ‘relaxing’ between games at the World Cup in New Zealand by kissing the pretty fan and cavorting with her at a bar in Queenstown a week ago.

In the film – captured by numerous CCTV cameras and publicised by a bouncer at the Altitude bar – the England captain can be seen hugging and manhandling the young woman as they down shots of vodka.

After she has pulled him down towards her chest and kissed the back of his head, he then drags her out through the exit, where they walk off out of shot, entwined in each other’s arms.

Suspicious behaviour: Tindall is shown being kissed on the head by the mystery blonde, who supposedly went to university with the rugby player ... even though he did not go to university

More antics: Tindall posing with another blonde, Janine Jeferis on a night out in Queenstown, New Zealand


Miss Phillips has so far declined to discuss the incident, but on Friday a source close to her attempted to play it down, saying the woman in the video was ‘a friend’ of the couple and had been to their July wedding.

‘She is a friend of both Mike and Zara and has known Mike since university days,’ the source said.

‘She is an English girl living in Australia who was at their wedding. Zara is very relaxed about this, and the whole thing has been blown out of all proportion.’

Yet the claim Tindall had known the girl ‘since university days’ is a little odd given that he did not actually attend university.

Newlyweds: Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips tied the knot seven weeks ago


Although he won a place at Durham to study psychology, he instead went straight from grammar school in Wakefield to become a professional rugby player, after being snapped up by the Bath squad.

Tindall’s father Phil, 64, said his son had told him the girl was ‘an old friend’.

He said from the family home in Yorkshire: ‘He says she was an old friend and that’s that. He is ignoring it and concentrating on his rugby. We didn’t speak about Zara at all. I don’t think she is upset or has anything to be distressed about.’

Day job: England captain Tindall is shown tackling an Argentina player at the World Cup, hours before he went out to 'relax'

He added: ‘I’ve seen the pictures and must say I don’t recognise the girl in the footage at all.’

Tindall’s defenders argue that as a lifetime rugby man, there was nothing unusual about his night out with team-mates in New Zealand.

It was a night out that involved posing for photographs with attractive girls, and also with dwarfs who had been hired to entertain bar customers in a ‘Midget Madness Weekend’.

England team manager Martin Johnson has said the players were simply ‘letting off steam’, but it emerged yesterday that not all onlookers at the bar were impressed by Tindall’s behaviour.

It was claimed on Sunday that as he manhandled the blonde outside the bar at 1.30am, an Australian male tourist who recognised the rugby player told him: ‘You’re married. Pull your head in mate’.

Good spirits: Tindall joking around with Jonny Wilkinson during a training session in Dunedin this morning


source:dailymail

What a contrast! Newlyweds Zara and Mike back in old jeans as they join Autumn, Peter and baby Savannah at Gatcombe

By DEBORAH ARTHURS

What a difference a week makes: Battered bootcut jeans with Timberland's and trainers - and is that a hole, Mike? The two join Autumn and Peter Phillips for the first day of the Gatcombe Park Festival of Eventing


It's been just under a week since they were sipping champagne in their wedding finery as they celebrated their marriage at Edinburgh's Holyrood House.

Today though, wedding gowns and morning suits were swopped for some rather more practical bootcut jeans and navy polo shirts as Zara and Mike attended the first day of Gatcombe Horse Trials.



Relaxed: If Zara was at all nervous about her upcoming competition on the final day of eventing this Sunday, she showed no sign as she chatted with family and friends


Joining Zara's brother Peter and sister-in-law Autumn with their baby Savannah, the group gathered to watch the opening day of eventing at the Gloucestershire festival.

Mike took time out from training with the England rugby team to attend the event with his new wife, who is to compete at Gatcombe herself on the final day of eventing on Sunday 7 August.


Happy couple: Mike and Zara are together again for the first day of the Festival of British Eventing after their work schedules meant they spent the first few days of married life apart


The Queen's granddaughter will ride for the last time on her 'horse of a lifetime' Toytown, as the gelding, who has suffered a series of injuries, is to be retired after Zara's event.

Eighteen-year-old 'Noddy' will be paraded in the main arena at 1.45pm on Sunday, so that his fans can pay tribute to the legendary white-flecked chestnut horse.


Scrub up well: Mike looked dapper in his suit when he married the Queen's granddaughter, Zara, in Edinburgh, while Zara looked beautiful in her magnificent Stewart Parvin gown


Doting: Autumn and Peter Phillips took turns bouncing their daughter Savannah on their knees as they watched the action at Gatcombe Park this afternoon


Any nerves Zara is feeling about her upcoming competition went unnoticed today though, as the former World Champion looked relaxed in the sunshine with her family.

Autumn and Peter, who will almost certainly attend Gatcombe on Sunday too, played the doting parents role as they took turns to bounce a delighted baby daughter Savannah on their knee.

The two looked every inch the loving family as they played with the little girl, smiling broadly as they passed her between one another.

It recalled the scene outside Holyrood House last weekend, when Autumn swung her giggling daughter into the air, planting a kiss on her cheek.


Relaxed: The three Phillips looked every inch the family unit as they attended the event today



All smiles: The scene recalled the family moment outside Holyrood House last week, as Autumn and Peter played with a delighted Savannah


source :dailymail

'Wedding was amazing, shame about the honeymoon!' It's back to work for Zara now too as she launches range of children's clothes

By Daily Mail Reporter


No honeymoon: It was straight back to work for Zara as she launched ZP176, her first equestrian range for children, helped by goddaughters and bridesmaids Nell Maude (left) and Jazz Jocelyn who posed in the line


Newlywed Zara Phillips said her weekend wedding to rugby star Mike Tindall was 'amazing' but admitted she was disappointed the couple are too busy to take a honeymoon.

The Queen's granddaughter was back at work today, launching a range of children's equestrian clothing just days after the couple's wedding at Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk. Tindall returned to training yesterday.

Zara, who will still be known by her maiden name, said: 'The day was amazing and to have all of your friends there in one place, for both of us, was the best part of it.

While ZP176 is her first line for children, Zara has been working with equestrian brand Musto since 2009, with the launch of her first line coming in 2010


'Unfortunately both of us do have quite busy lives so it's going to have to wait a bit for a honeymoon, but it is quite nice to go back to work as well.

'We're kind of missing the quiet period where we can catch up and have some sleep.

It's back to work and that's what we do.'

The royal bride, 30, said she was excited to be Mrs Tindall, but she will remain Zara Phillips to preserve her sporting name.

'I'm very much Mrs Tindall and will be privately and I'm sure publicly as well, but just for professional and sponsors I'm going to keep Phillips as well - I'll keep both of them!'

She said the day had been nerve-wracking, adding: 'Everyone looked really serious when I walked in.'

Zara denied reports that her cousin William - who married Kate Middleton in April - had been singing Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer at karaoke during Saturday's celebrations, telling reporters if anyone had been singing it would have been her husband.

Family affair: The launch for Zara's clothing line was relaxed and fun, echoing the informal, happy atmosphere of Zara's wedding last weekend

Work commitments: Speaking at the launch, Zara said she had an 'amazing' time at the wedding, but was a shame she and Mike hadn't been able to take a honeymoon yet


'There was no karaoke. I think there was assistance with the band, but that was about it,' she said.

The eventing world champion today unveiled her first children's equestrian collection at Manor Farm, in Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire.

The collection, named ZP176 Kids, has been made in collaboration with clothing brand Musto, which already has an adult clothing range with Zara, and will form part of the autumn and winter 2011 collection.

Zara, who will be competing in the Gatcombe Park horse trials later this week, showed off the new range of clothing, which was modelled by keen Pony Club members including two of her goddaughters - Nell Maude, 11, and Jaz Jocelyn, 8.

During the clothing launch the girls, who had also been bridesmaids at the wedding, took part in mounted games, which saw six riders take their ponies up and down a field showing off their riding talents.

Back in the game: Mike Tindall was also back at work, taking a break from training to pose for portraits during the England Rugby Club briefing today ahead of next week's match against Wales

How time flies: Just three days ago Zara and Mike were celebrating their marriage in Edinburgh, but both had to return to work as soon as the celebrations were over


The collection has been designed for seven to 13-year-olds and consists of jackets, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and socks, all in bright colours.

Zara said she hoped to encourage enthusiasm among young riders with the collection.

But despite the success of her dress at her wedding, the former equestrian world champion said she had no plans to design a range of dresses.

'Riding and being outside the whole time, these are kind of the clothes that I know and that I wear every day, so it was easier for me to do that than anything else,' she said.

'To try and bring that in for the kids as well has been really interesting. It's been really fun.

'It's always nice to dress up and put a dress on but day in, day out, horse riding is what I do.'

Zara has been involved in the entire creation of the collection, from design right through to being present at the development and testing of the products.

'I grew up wearing Musto so it was nice to expand on what they had when we were kids.

'It was more of making their range a bit like mine but in a smaller package - sort of 'Mini Me', but with the same great fabrics so they are able to go out and do whatever they want and still be technical and good.'



source:dailymail

Zara's elegant dress transforms her into quintessential English bride

By Deborah Arthurs


The blushing bride chose a full skirted gown with a row of covered buttons, and wore her mother's tiara to complete the elegant look


She is the royal known for her unconventional dress sense, with leopard print hats, a pierced tongue and plenty of cleavage her trademark.

Today though, the Queen's granddaughter put aside her more outlandish image and transformed into a quintessential English bride.

Her dress, by the Queen's own couturier Stewart Parvin, was a picture of elegant sophistication.

Picture of perfection: The short train and ivory silk was a traditional and demure choice for her big day


It was expected that Zara would wear a traditional gown - more classically beautiful and less high fashion that Catherine Middleton's Sarah Burton gown - and she did not disappoint.

The full gown was created in ivory duchess silk and softly ribbed faille, the skirt given volume with acres of stiff lace beneath. The corseted bodice of the gown ending in dramatic pleats on its dropped waist and sculpted the bride's slim figure, giving a dramatic bell-shaped silhouette.

No wonder she looks so happy! Beneath Zara's veil was her mother's glittering Greek Key tiara

The epitome of elegance: With silk tulle straps, a full skirt and a cathedral length veil, Zara looked gorgeous


Rather than the cropped jacket Zara was tipped to wear, she gave the gown the more demure touch that the royal occasion demanded.

The dress was crafted in faille, a softly ribbed silk. The chevron-pleated bodice ended in dramatic pleats on its dropped waist.

Silk tulle straps formed a V-shape at the back of the gown, with bias-cut raw-edged ribbons in silk faille and duchesse satin decorating the neckline and empire seam below the bust and finishing the hem of the dress. The full skirt featured concealed pockets.

Her full, cathedral length veil, pulled over her face as she arrived on the arm of her father Mark Phillips, was held in place by the Greek Key tiara, lent to Zara by her mother, Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal received it as a gift from the Queen in 1972, and wore it often during her engagement to Mark Phillips.

Adorable: The flower girls in their full-skirted frocks excitedly await for the beautiful bride to arrive

And the bidesmaid's looked good too: Maid of Honour Dolly Maude looked pristine with her elegant up-do and neat dress

Zara's hair and make up beneath that statement veil were simple and natural.

A girl after her mother's heart, Zara is a creature of habit when it comes to her hair, and today was no exception.

She wore her hair as she usually does for formal events - in a classic French twist - which she had created by Evangelos Tsiapkinis from the Mayfair salon MichaelJohn.

In her feet were the number one choice of shoe for so many brides: ivory Jimmy Choos.

Her white bouquet of elegant calla lilies was designed by London florist Paul Thomas

Zara is said to have chosen the Stewart Parvin gown from wedding boutique White Room in Minchinhampton.

The designer, who christens his dresses with such romantic names as Easy To Love and I've Got a Crush On You, seemed to have hit the mark today, as Zara appeared relaxed and happy - surely the goal of any bride on her big day.

Stewart Parvin was also behind the Queen's dress.

The three young bridesmaids wore white - echoing the bridesmaids at the wedding of Catherine and WIlliam - and the full-skirted dresses cinched with pale china blue ribbon featured columns of covered buttons running down the back, reminiscent of the detailing on the back of Pippa Middleton's now iconic bridesmaid dress.

Mother-of-the-bride Princess Anne performed impeccably from a style point of view, wearing a swishy coral pleated skirt with a vintage-inspired cropped jacket (knowing thrifty Anne, it could well really be vintage), its floral print adding the right amount of levity to the neat tailoring.

As ever, her hair was styled in the usual immaculate bouffant, topped off with a fascinator that matched the coral skirt.


source: dailymail

Now Zara dazzles on HER day as a wedding princess: The Queen's granddaughter ties the knot with rugby ace Mike Tindall

By Jo Macfarlane


Just married: Beaming bride Zara Phillips and her new husband Mike Tindall pose in Holyrood Abbey, Palace of Holyroodhouse following their marriage on Saturday


In a single tender moment, their love was plain to see. Standing in the warm Edinburgh sunshine, Zara Phillips sealed her marriage to England rugby star Mike Tindall yesterday with a gentle kiss.

The newlyweds gazed at each other and exchanged a sweet smile before leaving the Canongate Kirk on the city’s ancient Royal Mile hand-in-hand to greet the 6,000 well-wishers who had gathered on the narrow streets.


It was another proud day for the future of the British Monarchy.

Give us a kiss! Newlyweds Zara and Mike share a tender kiss outside Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland after getting married


Although the couple seemed determined to keep their wedding a private family occasion, the crowds seemed equally determined to share in their happiness during the first Royal wedding to be held in Scotland in 20 years.

Many frantically waved Union Jacks and the Scottish Saltire as the couple emerged from the ceremony shortly before 4pm, filling the air with cheers. Some, clearly touched by the splendour of the occasion, dabbed their eyes.

One of the highlights was always going to be the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, attending their first wedding since their own just three months ago.

Newlyweds: Zara and Tindall make their way out of the church a married couple

Simple but chic: The ivory dress by Stewart Parvin perfectly suited Zara's athletic frame


But even they could not overshadow Zara on her special day.

In a romantic full-length ivory silk gown with silk tulle detail, designed by the Queen’s favourite couturier Stewart Parvin, the one-time Royal rebel, who was on Friday seen in scruffy jeans and flip-flops, looked every inch the traditional bride.

For the talented equestrian – who is often reluctant to embrace her regal lineage – this was her chance to be a princess for a day.

So happy: The bride looked ecstatic as she waved to well-wishers after marrying Tindall

Radiant: Zara is led into Canongate Kirk by her proud father Mark Phillips ahead of the ceremony


With her blonde hair swept up into an elegant full-bodied chignon and sparkling with diamonds from the Greek Key tiara lent by her mother, she managed to look effortlessly beautiful and happy.

The full veil, also made of silk tulle, was held back from her face as she held a stunning large white bouquet, studded with thistles in a nod to the location, by Mayfair florist Paul Thomas. On her feet were an elegant pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

Zara, 30, reportedly the Queen’s favourite granddaughter, was accompanied to the church by her proud father Captain Mark Phillips after earlier leaving in a Bentley from the Palace of Holyroodhouse several hundred yards down the Royal Mile.

The old hands and the just weds: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (left) and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a Jane Troughton embroidered coat, LK Bennett nude heels and carrying a LK Bennett clutch

Family pride: Mother of the bride Princess Anne wore a red pleated skirt and floral jacket (left), while the Queen wore a pink Stewart Parvin jacket and matching hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan over a floral dress


She arrived at 3.07pm, fashionably late for the 3pm service.

Her maid of honour, best friend Dolly Maude, wore a dove grey dress with dramatic Dior bow by Stewart Parvin.

Her bridesmaids – Jaz Jocelyn, the daughter of a family friend; the best man’s daughter Hope Balshaw; Zara’s half-sister Stephanie Phillips; and Mrs Maude’s daughter Nell – wore off-white dresses with a simple bow by local dressmaker Sue Palmer. Pageboy Ted Maude, Zara’s godson, delighted the crowd in a traditional Balmoral tartan kilt.

Stylish sisters: Princess Beatrice went for blue Angela Kelly ensemble and yet another pair of nude heels, while her younger sister Princess Eugenie opted for a cream and brown number by the same designer

A right royal knees up: Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess Of Wessex arrive (left), while the bride's brother Peter Phillips, appeared to be an usher as he greeted guests

The in-laws: Princess Anne, her ex-husband Mark Phillips with the groom's parents Linda and Phil Tindall


The couple had begun their wedding celebrations in style with a cocktail party on board the decommissioned Royal yacht Britannia on Friday night. Later, wedding guests were to be seen on George Street enjoying Edinburgh’s nightlife.

But Zara returned to the Queen’s official Scottish residence, Holyroodhouse, to spend her final night as a single woman with close family.

Senior Royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, also stayed at the Palace.

Smart: Prince Harry looked dapper in coat and tails (left), while the bride's sister-in-law Autumn Phillips looked chic in an eggshell suit

All present and correct: Prince Charles, the Duchess Of Cornwall, Princes Harry and Willaim and the Duchess of Cambridge all gather at the gates of the Kirk following the wedding

And now to the party: The royal family file out of the church (L-R) Prince Charles; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Harry; Princess Beatrice; Catherine, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince William; Princess Eugenie (just seen) and Prince Andrew


The peace of the Palace was in sharp contrast to the bustle on the Royal Mile where preparations began at breakfast time yesterday. Florists fixed a canopy across the porch of the 17th Century church, the official Kirk of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and made final preparations within as crowds began to build swiftly outside.

Many queued early to ensure a glimpse of the happy couple, their Royal guests and the rugby stars in attendance.

They began to arrive shortly after 1pm to cheers and applause. One of the first was actress Katherine Kelly, 31, who plays Becky McDonald in Coronation Street and went to school with the groom in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Ready to rumble: Tindall and his bridal party make their way into the church

Classic: The bridesmaids wore cute ivory dresses while maid of honour Dolly Maude looked amazing in her high-necked gown, also made by Parvin


The biggest cheer was reserved for the arrival of the 32-year-old groom along with best man and former Gloucester and England team mate Iain Balshaw, who was nursing a bruised face following a recent accident on his moped.

They were joined by ushers Ian Tindall, the groom’s older brother; the bride’s brother Peter Phillips; Gloucester winger James Simpson-Daniel; James Lofthouse, who played youth rugby with Tindall; and Bath player Andrew Beattie.

All were dressed in identical morning suits by Cad & The Dandy with Oliver Sweeney shoes.

The Queen, in an apricot wool coat and printed silk dress also by designer Parvin, and the Duke of Edinburgh were the last guests to arrive.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – unquestionably the star guests and using their Scottish title as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn for the first time – arrived with Prince Harry and appeared at pains not to be seen to outshine the happy couple, making their way straight into the church.

Stylish: Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly was among the first guests to arrive

Sophisticated: The Saturdays singer Una Healy wore a pretty black and turquoise strapless dress as she attended with her boyfriend, rugby player Ben Foden


Kate was elegant in a tailored cream embroidered jacket – which she first wore in 2006 to the wedding of Camilla Parker Bowles’s daughter Laura – and matching broad-brimmed hat, while William looked dashing in a morning suit.

Princess Anne’s mother-of-the-bride outfit was an elegant floral bolero-style jacket with pleated dark pink skirt. The Princess Royal was accompanied by her second husband, Commander Timothy Laurence.

Neither Harry’s former girlfriend, Zimbabwean Chelsy Davy, nor the Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister Pippa Middleton, were invited.

Other Royals attending included Prince Charles and Camilla, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Prince Andrew and his daughters Princess Beatrice and Eugenie.

The young Princesses appeared keen to improve their style credentials after their outfits at William and Kate’s wedding saw them unkindly compared to ‘pantomime dames’. Beatrice wore a flattering marine blue skirt and matching pillbox hat, while Eugenie looked elegant in a chocolate and cream outfit with bow detail.

Leggy ladies: (L-R) Natalie Pinkham wore a backless red dress while Kirsty Gallacher (with partner Paul Sampson) opted for a colourful number with nude heels, while Olympic Skeleton racer Amy Williams donned a pretty nude-coloured dress and matching hat

Among the crowd, shop assistant Lyndsay Wallace, 29, from Motherwell, said: ‘I liked the turquoise outfit Beatrice was wearing, it was a better look this time – that hat at William and Kate’s wedding wasn’t nice at all.

‘It was great to see Zara’s dress, she looked gorgeous. Everyone loved to see Wills and Kate too.’

Other guests included Harry’s former girlfriend, TV presenter Natalie Pinkham, the bride’s godmother Lady Helen Stewart and her racing driver husband Sir Jackie Stewart, and Zara’s godfather Andrew Parker Bowles, ex-husband of the Duchess of Cornwall.

Many of the elite of English rugby were there, including the team’s manager Martin Johnson, Sir Clive Woodward, Lawrence Dallaglio, Mike Catt, Austin Healey and Jonny Wilkinson.

Ready to party: England rugby player Jonny Wilkinson (left) and former
England captain Lawrence Dallaglio and his wife Alice leave after the wedding


Leading equestrians, including world number two eventer William Fox-Pitt and 2010 Sports Personality of the Year, jockey Tony McCoy, also arrived.

Few details were released about the ceremony and no cameras were allowed inside the church, but it is known that it was filled with hundreds of scented white stargazer lilies, roses and carnations and, in an echo of William and Kate’s wedding, the branches of beech trees.

The 45-minute ceremony was conducted by Canongate’s resident minister Reverend Neil Gardner. A choir of 15 boys and girls from Zara’s old Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun performed Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, Love Divine All Loves Excelling, Amazing Grace and Jerusalem, as well as a Gaelic blessing.

The happy couple left the Kirk in a Bentley for the 400-yard journey to Holyroodhouse for the reception.

Suited and booted: Racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart and his wife Helen (left) and Irish jockey AP McCoy and his wife Chanelle


They were followed by senior members of the Royal Family and Tindall’s delighted parents Linda, a 63-year-old retired social worker, and Phil, 64, a former bank official.

Zara’s stunning look continued during the evening reception when she reportedly changed in to a gown by Dublin couturier Paul Costelloe.

A grand marquee was erected in the piazza of the palace where guests enjoyed a champagne reception as a military band played.

Dinner had a Scottish theme and included a lobster and crayfish cocktail, Scottish venison with dauphinois potatoes, and a chocolate fondant with strawberries. The party was organised by Peregrine Armstrong Jones of party planners Bentleys, who designed the wedding with the couple and Princess Anne.

For the newlyweds, there will be no immediate honeymoon. Instead, in keeping with their down-to-earth approach, they will go back to work – Zara will head off to the Gatcombe International Horse Trials while her husband will return to training.

ZARA & MIKE - A WEDDING FIT FOR A MODERN ROYAL

By SARAH OLIVER

She is, famously, the grandchild of the Queen who does not to bear a title. But yesterday when Zara Phillips wed an English rugby hero in Edinburgh’s ancient Canongate Kirk, she claimed the only one that really mattered to her, that of Mike Tindall’s missus.

It was not, despite the couple’s fervent and frequently expressed hopes, the wedding of two commoners in the quietude of Caledonia. How could it be when those simple words ‘family of the bride’ meant pews stuffed with senior Royals led by Her Majesty and augmented by the extraordinary crowd-pulling power of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge?

Mix into the congregation the sporting aristocrats of the England rugby team, a society and celebrity smorgasbord of chums including an actress from Coronation Street, a singer from The Saturdays – and the newly single Prince Harry relishing a scrumdown by way of the aftermatch revelry – and this was always going to be a right royal spectacle.

It was the ‘Other Royal Wedding’, the champagne quaffing, high-spirited hard-partying belly laugh counterpart to the pomp and pageantry of William and Kate’s marriage in April.

But as another member of the Royal Family dipped into the middle classes to find herself a rather uncommon commoner – a man who has been capped for his country 70 times – it was also a bellwether as to the changing hopes and expectations of this, the coming generation of the House of Windsor.

Zara, 30, a world champion equestrian, is legendarily low key. Part of her charm, however, is that as an international three-day eventer or as a glamorous young Royal, she knows how to pull a great performance out of the bag when it matters.

Rugby faces: (Left to right) Clive Woodward, Austin Healey and Martin Johnson make their way inside


Yesterday as the cobbled streets of Edinburgh shimmered in unexpected heat and the city seemed to vibrate with the power of a military pipe band, it was showtime.

The first hint came with Zara’s decision to spend her last hours as a single woman in the Queen’s Edinburgh home, Holyroodhouse. For within its great, grey turreted fastness lies a baroque palace of gilded splendour fit for a princess.

Confirmation that Zara was going for gold came a few minutes after 3pm when she emerged – late as is the bride’s prerogative – with her father, Princess Anne’s first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. Gone was the tousled blonde hair, the face free of make-up, the hands more familiar with mucking out than manicures and her habitual off duty outfit of a fleece and wellies.

In their place was a stunningly athletic frame with toned and tanned arms showcased in a sleeveless frock of ivory silk faille by designer Stewart Parvin.

Her bright blonde hair was swept up and pinned in place with her mother’s Greek Key tiara and around her swirled a bouffant cathedral-length train. She carried a creamy bouquet and was shod in a pair of Jimmy Choos.

She looked pinkly pretty, the flush of a sport-loving country dweller replaced by the blush of a delighted bride. The days of the blue-blooded rebel who once shocked with her tongue stud seemed distant indeed as she alighted from her blue Bentley Mulsanne outside the Kirk, turned to give the crowd a modest wave and disappeared inside.

Historical setting: Zara and her father arrive at the 17th century building


It is, by all accounts, Tindall, 32, and their six-year courtship which has tamed her. A man whose vastness has earned him the nickname The Fridge, he is short on looks, long on old school charm and stout of heart. He is close to his mum Linda, a social worker, and dad, Phil, a prison finance officer, and cleaves to his Yorkshire roots. Yesterday, he chose to marry in a bespoke morning suit of black barathea woven in his native West Riding.

Those who know the couple declare them a perfect match, with a shared passion for sport, a fierce work ethic and a down-to-earth attitude. More romantically, Tindall has described himself and his new wife as ‘fire and ice’, he the cool stoic to her emotional hothead. He would love her, he has said, were she a Tesco checkout girl.

Luckily for him though, she isn’t, she’s 13th in line to the throne. And no matter how much they tried to pretend their nuptials were just a bit of a do for a rugby champ and his blonde squeeze, by the time Tindall arrived at the Kirk well over an hour ahead of his bride there was no getting away from the fact that Edinburgh was fair glittering with royal stardust.

It was there in the golden antlers standing atop the apex of Canongate Kirk which came from a stag shot in 1949 at Balmoral by Zara’s great grandfather, King George VI. And it was there in the 6,000 strong crowd thronging the narrow edges of the Royal Mile, yelling their approval, waving a multitude of flags and toasting the couple with plastic glasses of fizz.

That's something blue sorted: Members of the public check out the Kirk following the wedding service

Arriving in style? A coach pulls up outside the venue carrying celebrity guests including Kelly (orange hat just seen)


Comparisons with the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were inevitable.

There were marked similarities in Zara and Mike’s choice of hymns including Love Divine All Loves Excelling and Jerusalem, sung by a 15-strong choir from Zara’s alma mater, Gordonstoun.

Her choice of white roses and Scottish beech tree branches to decorate the simple interior also recalled the Duchess’s glorious tree-lined aisle in Westminster Abbey. But mostly there were marked differences: no Heads of State (unless you count Granny) or politicians in attendance, no global audience of two million.

Above all there was privacy. When the red doors of the Kirk clanged shut behind the bride the only cameras rolling were her own. But we can imagine that the atmosphere among the 300 guests must have been just as jolly, just as intimate and just as relaxed as the glimpses we have had into their preparation. This was after all a bride who turned up to her wedding rehearsal in flip-flops and skinny jeans.

The Kirk is Church of Scotland and follows the Presbyterian tradition. Its walls and pews are painted a stern royal blue and it is without stained glass or other adornments.

It is uncomplicated to the point of austerity and does not even have an altar, meaning the couple were wed before a hand carved Communion Table, with the 45-minute service led by Canongate Minister, the Rev Neil Gardner.

Ready and waiting: Crowds line the streets outside the venue waiting for a glimpse of the blushing bride

A beautiful day for a wedding: Locals wave flags as they watch and wait for Zara's arrival

Outside on the Royal Mile crowds strained to catch a glimpse or a whisper from within. But there was none to be had and they had to content themselves with the head swivelling cavalcade of Royals and rugby players who first arrived at the Kirk and then departed for the Holyroodhouse reception.

It’s hard to recall seeing such a procession of glamorous women and wide thighed men, of princes and princesses, and of friends made and kept in the real world.

Naturally, all eyes were on the Duchess of Cambridge, attending her first wedding since her own, lustrous in a silken coat of palest gold with a large straw hat anchored by flowers. She looked as she always does: born to it.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie on the arm of their father Prince Andrew looked sharp courtesy of their new stylist – there was no repeat of their twin hat horrors in the Abbey in April.

Camilla was the surprise of the day, winding down her window the better to acknowledge the crowds, her broad and genuine smile as permanent a fixture as her trademark extravagant hat.

The crowd was rewarded with a kiss on the church steps. It was a proper smacker, further evidence of the unembarrassed tactility which has proved a gift for those chronicling Zara and Mike’s love affair from its beginnings at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

They looked, just as they had wished, briefly ordinary, like a woman wooed by text message and proposed to as she sprawled on the sofa and a chap who’d be glad when he’d made his groom’s speech and could sink a few ales.

Then they climbed into their Bentley to lead the charge to the party, disappearing through the elaborate gates of Holyroodhouse for a what promised to be a long night of celebrations in the palace and its parkland beneath the looming shadows of Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat.

There, a giant marquee was to stage a dinner of lobster, venison and chocolate fondant and summer strawberries and the downing of many, many more glasses of Laurent Perrier champagne.

Beyond the hangovers however, there will be no honeymoon, for Mike is due to train with the England squad tonight and Zara supported his decision to put his commitment to the 2011 Rugby World Cup first.

And therein lies the key to their relationship. It was perhaps symbolic that in the Kirk as a brand new married couple, they passed beneath the badges of the Guilds which survived in Canongate for centuries, the Cordiners, the Wrights, the Hammermen, the Tailors, the Baxters (bakers) and the Weavers.

Excitement: Crowds of well-wishers brought their cameras to snap photographs of the royal and celebrity guests on the way to the wedding


For it was this couple’s powerful work ethic – in their respective sports – which brought them together, forged their love for one another and will doubtless be the framework on which the happiness and future family is built. They have made it entirely clear that as a married couple they will stick with that life, that they will belong to the Family, but not the Firm.

They will seek their own way in return for less scrutiny and a lower burden of Royal responsibility than higher profile members, living, working and loving beyond the walls of court and owing it no debt.

It is a dynamic the Queen has tried to encourage and presages the kind of Royal family over which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will one day reign.

And in that sense, this Scottish shindig was three things rolled into one: an ordinary wedding, a Royal wedding, and a declaration of intent.

Decorations: A worker adjusts the beautiful floral display above the door at Canongate Kirk

Gearing up: Residents in Edinburgh are no doubt looking forward to the big day, with one women wishing the royal couple luck with a banner hung over her balcony






source:dailymail