Zara and Mike Tindall are celebrating 15 years of marriage, having first met in a Sydney bar in what has been called a 'sliding doors' moment. The couple, who have three children, have endeared themselves to the public with their loved-up displays and down-to-earth nature.
Royal wedding in Edinburgh
The late Queen's eldest granddaughter and daughter of Princess Anne married the former England international rugby player on July 30, 2011, at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh. Zara wore a dress by Stewart Parvin, one of her grandmother's favourite designers. Guests included the late Queen and Prince Philip.
Neither Zara nor Mike carries out official duties on behalf of the King. Instead, they balance commercial careers with being part of the Royal Family, attending events such as Christmas at Sandringham.
Careers and family
Zara, 45, has never had a royal title but is a successful equestrian, winning a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. Mike, 47, retired from rugby and is known for his rugby podcast and finishing fourth on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here in 2022. They are often spotted at sporting events like Royal Ascot and Wimbledon, or enjoying music festivals.
The couple have three children: Mia (12), Lena (8), and Lucas, who was born in 2021. Zara gave birth to Lucas on the bathroom floor at their Gloucestershire home, with a friend helping to deliver. They also suffered two miscarriages before Lena was born.
Secret to their success
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: "I think Mike and Zara have everything going for them; they are clearly still madly in love, they don’t take themselves or life too seriously, and they know how to have a whole load of fun." She added that they are good friends who met in Australia, bonded over sport, and went out for a boozy lunch.
Zara has said: "We've been together for 21 years. Nothing runs smoothly ever. You've got to accept that in life. It's a work-in-progress [but] you've got to have fun." Mike added that "kids are the biggest challenge that ever comes your way" during a marriage.
Royal insights
Mike has spoken openly about his in-laws, including unflattering nicknames for Prince William and comments about Prince Harry and the Princess of Wales. On joining the Royal Family, he said: "It's a journey you don't really, you never plan for. But they were just so good, so open with me."
Jennie Bond noted the contrast with Harry and Meghan: "The key difference is that Mike never offends or criticises the family and its traditions. He offers glimpses of life behind the scenes, but they are all harmless." She said he knows where to draw the line and speaks with good humour.
