Straying from the typical wedding choices of her royal relatives, 13 years ago today Zara Tindall became Queen Elizabeth’s first grandchild to marry in Scotland.
Zara, 43, and her rugby hunkMike Tindall, 45, wed 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.
Though the traditional anniversary gift after 13 years together may be lace, Zara’s wedding dress did not feature any of the delicate fabric.
The full-length gown of beautiful ivory silk was made by couturier Stewart Parvin, who also designed the Queen’s apricot-coloured outfit choice for the big day.
Straying from the typical wedding choices of her royal relatives, 13 years ago today Zara Tindall became Queen Elizabeth’s first grandchild to marry in Scotland. Above: Zara married rugby beau Mike Tindall on July 30, 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh
Zara pictured in her full-length wedding gown of beautiful ivory silk, withher father Captain Mark Phillips
The Tindalls did not televise their ceremony, meaning it was a more private affair than William and Kate’s spectacular nuptials 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 royals joined the Queen in attending, includingthe late Prince Philip, the then Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Prince Harry and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.
The guest list also featured some of Mike’s England rugby teammates, Irish singer Una Healy and actress Katherine Kelly.
The late Queen wore an apricot-coloured outfit by her favourite designerStewart Parvin
The parents of the bride and groom: 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 when compared to other royal weddings
Many senior royals attended, 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 maid of honour, Dolly Maude and best man Iain Balshaw
The Queen and Prince Philip pictured walking by the parents of the bride and groom
With Zara being known for her love of horses, other guests included Olympic equestrianWilliam Fox-Pitt and jockeyTony McCoy.
TV presenter Natalie Pinkham was there too, along with Zara’s godfather Andrew Parker Bowles, ex-husband of Queen Camilla.
Zara and Mike welcomed their first child, Mia, in 2014 followed by Lena in 2018 and Lucas in 2021.
Neither Mike nor Zara areworking members of the royal family and both have pursued separate careers over the years.
Mike retired from professional rugby in 2014 but has gone on to earn a living through brand endorsements and advertisements.
He starred on I’m A Celebrity in 2022 and hosts a 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 pictured gathering outside at 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 service
Zara pictured holding a white floral arrangement at her wedding
The pair maintain close relationships with their royal relatives, especially with the Wales’s.
Speaking to The Times earlier this year, one royal source dubbed Mike and Zara the ‘glue of their generation of royals, no matter how serious the occasion’.
‘They can help take the family’s mind off the gravity of what is going on,’ they added.
‘While some family members can be very ‘royal’, Mike is just himself and is relaxed and playful with George, Charlotte and Louis.
‘It helps that they all have children around the same age that they can fool around together privately and bring a sense of normality to what is a stressful situation for everyone involved.’
In recent years, Mike has also reflected on how close the family has gotten since the late Queen’s passing in 2022.
He spoke of how the Royal Family ‘came together overnight’ following her death.
The pair maintain close relationships with the royal family, especially with the Wales’. Above: William and Kate stand with Princess Eugenie outside Canongate Kirk
Former England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson at the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall
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 ex-England rugby ace also revealed how he was ‘full of regret’ for not asking the Queen more questions during his time with her.
In June this year, Zara and Mike attended Royal Ascot and were greeted warmly by both Prince William, and Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
The Tindalls’ children also appear to have close ties with their royal relatives.
Last year Mia was pictured holding hands with Prince Louis at Sandringham on Christmas Day.
Mia’s sister Lena walked behind the Wales’ with her parents.
