Zara Tindall is breaking away from the usual marriage choices of her royal family members: today marks 13 years since she became the first grandchild of Queen Elizabeth to marry in Scotland.
Zara, 43, and her rugby hunk Mike Tindall, 45, married on July 30, 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.
The bride-to-be spent her final night as an unmarried woman with close family members at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the late monarch’s official Scottish residence, after partying with friends.
While the traditional anniversary gift for 13 years of togetherness may be lace, Zara’s wedding dress featured none of those delicate fabrics.
The long dress in beautiful ivory silk was created by couturier Stewart Parvin, who also designed the Queen’s apricot outfit for the big day.
In a departure from the typical marriage choices of her royal relatives, Zara Tindall became the first granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth to marry in Scotland 13 years ago today. Above: Zara married rugby beau Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh on July 30, 2011
Zara pictured in her long wedding dress of beautiful ivory silk, with her father Captain Mark Phillips
The Tindalls did not televise their ceremony, making it a more private affair than William and Kate’s spectacular wedding at Westminster Abbey just three months earlier.
Zara walked down the aisle with her father Captain Mark Phillips, while her mother, Princess Anne, was accompanied by her second husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence.
Many other senior members of the Royal Family attended the commemoration, including the late Prince Philip, then-Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Prince Harry and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.
The guest list also included some of Mike’s England rugby teammates, Irish singer Una Healy and actress Katherine Kelly.
The late Queen wore an apricot-colored outfit by her favorite designer Stewart Parvin
The bride and groom’s parents: Linda Tindall (left) with Princess Anne, Captain Mark Phillips and Phillip Tindall (right)
Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the wedding, just three months after their own nuptials
The Tindalls did not televise their ceremony, making it a more private affair compared to other royal weddings
Many senior royals were in attendance, including the late Duke of Edinburgh, the then Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Harry and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice
The bride and groom pictured after the ceremony, followed by the bridesmaids, Dolly Maude and best man Iain Balshaw
The Queen and Prince Philip pictured walking past the bride and groom’s parents
Zara is known for her love of horses. Other guests included Olympic equestrian William Fox-Pitt and jockey Tony McCoy.
TV presenter Natalie Pinkham was also in attendance, along with Zara’s godfather Andrew Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s ex-husband.
Zara and Mike welcomed their first child, Mia, in 2014, followed by Lena in 2018 and Lucas in 2021.
Neither Mike nor Zara are working members of the royal family and both have pursued their own careers over the years.
Mike retired from professional rugby in 2014, but has since made a living from brand endorsements and advertising.
He starred in I’m A Celebrity in 2022 and presents the podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby with James Haskell and Alex Pane.
Since winning a silver medal in eventing at the 2012 London Olympics, Zara has worked as a businesswoman for various brands and companies.
The bridal party is pictured gathering outside Canongate Kirk
Zara’s dress was designed by the late monarch’s favourite couturier, Stewart Parvin
The bride and groom pictured getting into their limousine after the wedding ceremony
Zara pictured with a white flower arrangement at her wedding
The couple maintain close ties with their royal relatives, especially the Welsh.
Speak with The times Earlier this year, a royal source called Mike and Zara “the glue that holds their generation of royals together, no matter how serious the occasion.”
“They can distract the family from the seriousness of the situation,” they added.
While some family members can be very ‘royal’, Mike is just himself and relaxed and playful with George, Charlotte and Louis.
“It’s nice that they all have children the same age, so they can play together in peace and create a sense of normalcy in a stressful situation for everyone.”
In recent years, Mike has also reflected on how close the family has become since the late Queen’s death in 2022.
He told how the royal family ‘came together again overnight’ after her death.
The couple maintain close ties to the royal family, particularly the Welsh. Above: William and Kate stand with Princess Eugenie outside Canongate Kirk
Former England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson at Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall’s wedding
Other guests on the star-studded list included actress Katherine Kelly, pictured
Irish singer Una Healy also attended the wedding in 2011
In a special episode of his podcast, the former England rugby player also said he “really regretted” not asking the Queen more questions during his time with her.
In June this year, Zara and Mike visited Royal Ascot and were warmly welcomed by both Prince William and Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
The Tindall children also appear to have close ties to their royal relatives.
Last year, Mia was photographed holding hands with Prince Louis at Sandringham on Christmas Day.
Mia’s sister Lena followed the Wales’ with her parents.