Zara Phillips is to marry England rugby star Mike Tindall - Daily Mail

By Nicola Boden
Last updated at 8:51 AM on 22nd December 2010

 

The Queen's eldest grandchild Zara Phillips is to marry her long-term boyfriend Mike Tindall, Buckingham Palace announced today.

Zara, the 29-year-old daughter of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, has followed her cousin William in taking the plunge after a lengthy courtship.

She and Tindall, who first met at the Rugby World Cup in 2003, have been living together in Gloucestershire for several years. 

He proposed last night at their home - just weeks after William popped the question to Kate Middleton.

The couple have not yet set a date but it seems likely they will tie the knot in 2011 - setting up the prospect of two royal weddings next year.

Engaged: Zara Phillips and long-term boyfriend Mike Tindall are tying the knot

The couple will come under huge pressure not to follow in Zara's brother's foosteps and sell the rights to their wedding.

Peter Phillips and his Canadian bride Autumn Kelly caused a furore in 2008 by striking a 500,000 deal with Hello! magazine.

The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall all refused to pose for magazine photographers but still featured in the published photos.

Unlike William, who kept his engagement secret for almost a month, the Royal family were quickly informed of the news.

A Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are delighted. They got engaged yesterday evening at the couple's home in Gloucestershire and a date has yet to be set.'

Zara, an international event rider, and Tindall have been dating for seven years and living together for almost five after moving in together in Gloucestershire, the home of his rugby club.

They first shared a rent-free cottage on Princess Anne's Gatcombe estate but moved into a 800,000 three-storey Georgian house in April 2009.

Extra Christmas present: Zara at the BBC Sport Personality of the Year Awards on Sunday night before she became engaged

The pair have spent 250,000 renovating the property, which is around 10 miles from Gloucester's Kingsholm ground.

Zara Phillips and boyfriend Mike Tindall sharing a kiss at the Badminton Horse Trials in 2007

It is better located for Tindall, 31, who was banned from driving for three years and had found it hard to commute from Gatcombe Park. 

He received the ban in January 2009 after admitting taking the wheel the day after a drinking binge at the races. It followed a 16-month ban for the same offence in 2000.

Both he and Zara had publicly spoken of their love for each other and made it clear they were definitely heading for marriage.

Tindall said in August: 'I don't think it is about whether we will get married but when. There is no doubt that I love Zara but it has to be the right time.

'She is so busy competing and I am touring. We don't even manage to get away on holiday together.

'And yes, it probably would be a white wedding, although sometimes I can see the attraction of sneaking away without telling anyone.

'I'm quite a traditional guy so I'll be doing it the usual way round - marriage and then children.'

Tindall and Zara meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace reception in 2006

Family affair: Tindall with Zara and her mother Princess Anne and step-father Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence at Buckingham Palace

Zara, a former World Eventing Champion, said back in 2008: 'I'm old-fashioned:  I think they should ask you. Everyone at the rugby club seems to be getting married and having babies so they keep asking me "What about you?".

'We tell each other we love each other every day.  I'm an affectionate person and so is he.'

Before meeting the England rugby star, Zara was involved in a turbulent four-year relationship with jump jockey Richard Johnson.

They shared a cottage in Toddington, Gloucestershire. The low point came in January 2001 whena  violent row resulted in the police being called.

She was first linked to Tindall when the England centre was playing in the World Cup in Australia - although they initially denied rumours of romance.

They were late spotted together at the Met Bar in London and on a date at Badminton Horse Trials as their relationship became public.

Zara is not a Princess and does not have the title Her Royal Highness because her mother decided she wanted her children to have more normal lives.

They are not supported by the Civil List and do not perform official Royal duties but instead make their own money and keep a lower profile.

Share this article: