The Love Story of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall: A Look Back in Photos

During her gap year in Australia, Zara Tindall (née Phillips) met Mike Tindall and there was an instant connection. The retired rugby player recalls being introduced to Zara at a bar by mutual friends, but didn't speak much at the time. Later on, Austin Healey gave Mike Zara's number and she asked him to text her so she could join them for a night out after the final.

The day after, Mike contacted the equestrian and their love story began. Despite their fondness for going out and socializing, they opted for a more discreet approach to avoid media scrutiny. As he explained to the Daily Mail, living in London meant that any public appearances would attract attention and be plastered all over the papers. Instead, they chose to enjoy themselves in Cheltenham while keeping a low profile.

The rugby union player proposed to the Olympian, who is the daughter of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, in December 2010. The couple got married a year later at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since then, Zara and Mike have started a family, welcoming their daughters Mia and Lena in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Their son, Lucas, was born in June 2021, completing their family.

Mike shared the news of his newborn son's arrival on his podcast, "The Good, the Bad and the Rugby," a few weeks later. He described his wife's labor as "chaotic," with him having to quickly prepare the bathroom floor with mats and towels before the midwife arrived. Luckily, the midwife arrived just in time as the baby's head was already out. Mike praised his wife's strength throughout the process and shared that they were able to take a walk with their new bundle of joy the following morning.

Zara and Mike have faced their fair share of challenges while raising their children and navigating their marriage. As Mike shared during a recent appearance on the U.K.'s Loose Women, having children can be a massive shock to one's system and can lead to rocky roads in a relationship. However, he emphasized the importance of working through these challenges together, acknowledging that no one is right or wrong in these situations.

"The key is to work through it together, understanding that neither person is entirely right or wrong. While my partner may stay angry, I have learned to use the outlet of rugby to release my frustrations. Sometimes, after a heated argument, I'll turn to them and suggest we hug it out."

Credit: Shutterstock

Zara Phillips and Husband Mike Tindall's Relationship Timeline Through the Years: See Photos

A royal love story for the ages! Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall (née Phillips), found an instant connection with Mike Tindall.

During his gap year in Australia, the retired rugby player found himself in the same bar as Zara, who was introduced to him by mutual friends. However, they didn't speak much until Austin Healey gave him Zara's number and instructed him to text her with details about where they were going after the final.

The day after, Mike reached out to the equestrian and their relationship quickly blossomed into a romance.

"We still enjoy socializing and having fun, but we make sure to do it privately to avoid media attention. Going out in London means having your every move in the papers. In Cheltenham, we can still have a good time while keeping to ourselves," he shared with the Daily Mail. In December 2010, the former rugby union player proposed to the Olympian, who is the daughter of the Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips, and they exchanged vows a year later at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland."

Zara and Mike have expanded their family with the arrival of daughters Mia and Lena in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Recently, they welcomed their third child, a son named Lucas in June 2021. Mike shared the news of the chaotic labor during an episode of his podcast, "The Good, the Bad and the Rugby," explaining how they had to quickly prepare for the birth at home before the midwife arrived. Fortunately, both midwives arrived just in time for the arrival of their son.

During that time, he spoke about Zara, describing her as a warrior who was always ready to back him up. The next morning, they went for a walk together and everything was good.

Zara and Mike's marriage has been filled with both happy and challenging moments as they raise their royal children. In a recent interview on Loose Women, Mike acknowledged that having children is a significant change that can test any relationship. While there may be rocky roads to navigate, he emphasized the importance of working together and supporting each other through the ups and downs. Ultimately, it's about facing challenges as a team and finding ways to make it work.

"The key is to work through it together. There's no right or wrong, just understanding. While she may hold onto anger, I have a way to release it through rugby. I can confront someone who has wronged me and then offer a hug as a way to move forward."

Credit: C J Hadlow/Shutterstock

November 2003

Zara first met Mike during a trip to Australia when they started talking during a night out at a local pub.

Credit: Shutterstock

December 2010

Zara Phillips, daughter of The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips, and Mr. Mike Tindall, son of Mr. Phillip and Mrs. Linda Tindall, announced their engagement with a statement from the royal family. The announcement revealed that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were "delighted" by the proposal news. The Duke of Edinburgh, however, passed away in April 2021 at the age of 99, almost a year before the queen's death.

Credit: Shutterstock

July 2011

For her nuptials in Scotland, Zara donned a stunning ivory dress created by none other than the queen’s personal couturier, Stewart Parvin. Completing the elegant ensemble was a bouquet of calla lilies and thistles held delicately in her hand.

Credit: Shutterstock

January 2014

The twosome welcomed their first child, daughter Mia, on January 17.

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

June 2018

After suffering two miscarriages, Zara gave birth to daughter Lena on June 18.

Credit: Courtesy of Mike Tindall/Instagram

May 2020

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the couple supported England’s NHS and medical professionals by clapping at the end of their evening shift change.

Credit: Courtesy of Mike Tindall/Instagram

December 2020

Mike expressed that it might not be the ideal way to kickstart 2021 by competing against his pregnant wife, but he believed it was necessary for a good cause. Taking to Instagram, he confirmed that Zara was pregnant with their third child and shared his excitement for the upcoming addition to their family.

Credit: Shutterstock

March 2021

The former Gloucester Rugby athlete and Zara were pleased to finally add a son to their brood on March 21.

Credit: Courtesy of Mike Tindall/Instagram

June 2022

The twosome shared a selfie from the Royal Ascot horse race during the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

September 2022

The queen died at the age of 96 on September 8. Amid the funeral plans, Mike accompanied Zara to a memorial service at Westminster Hall in London.

Credit: WPA Pool/Shutterstock

September 2022

The couple mourned the queen together at her state funeral in London.

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

November 2022

During his time on the U.K. reality TV competition I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Mike shared some words of wisdom from his partner Zara. She advised him to simply be himself and enjoy the experience. Mike also revealed that Zara's biggest concern was his loud eating habits, and she would be pleased if someone commented on his loud breathing while eating, as it's a point she often brings up.

"Zara is very understanding and supportive. Both of us have careers that require us to be away for extended periods of time - she competes for weeks at a time, and I go on tours for three to four weeks during the summer. Our relationship has always been built around dealing with these separations, and we've become quite skilled at compartmentalizing and finding ways to make it work."

Credit: Courtesy of Mike Tindall/Instagram

November 2022

Mike survived the grueling challenges of the Australian jungle as a contestant on the U.K. reality show I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!. However, he was eventually voted out and returned to normal life. Excited to be reunited with his wife, he shared a sweet selfie on social media with the caption "Reunited!!! ️ Back to normality and time to eat!!! Thanks for all the kind messages! It was a blast!" Mike's love for food was evident when he also posted pictures of his well-deserved burger and fries.

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

December 2022

Zara and Mike coordinated in gray outfits during the royal family’s procession to Sandringham Church on Christmas Day.

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

April 2023

Mike and Zara held hands with Mia and Lena during the royal family’s annual Easter mass at St George’s Chapel.

Credit: James Veysey/Shutterstock

May 2023

Zara stunned in a blue dress and matching fascinator at uncle King Charles III’s coronation, as she entered hand-in-hand with Mike.

Credit: James Whatling/MEGA

June 2023

Zara and Mike were all smiles at the Epson Downs Racecourse to watch the annual Derby race.