In a departure from the typical wedding choices of her royal family, 13 years ago Zara Tindall became the first granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth to marry in Scotland.
Zara, 43, and her rugby beau Mike Tindall, 45, tied the knot on July 30, 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.
The bride-to-be spent her last night as a single woman with close family at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the late monarch’s official Scottish residence, after a party with friends.
While the traditional anniversary gift after 13 years together may be lace, Zara’s wedding dress featured none of those delicate fabrics.
The long, ivory silk gown was made by couturier Stewart Parvin, who also designed the Queen’s apricot-coloured outfit for the big day.
Breaking away from the typical wedding choices of her royal relatives, 13 years ago Zara Tindall became the first granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth to marry in Scotland. Above: Zara married her rugby boyfriend Mike Tindall on July 30, 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh
Zara photographed in her long wedding dress made of beautiful ivory silk, with her father, Captain Mark Phillips.
The Tindalls did not televise their ceremony, meaning it was a more private event 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 attendance, including the late Prince Philip, the 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-coloured suit by her favourite 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 event 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 photographed after the ceremony, followed by maid of honour Dolly Maude and best man Iain Balshaw.
The Queen and Prince Philip photographed walking alongside the bride and groom’s parents
With Zara known for her love of horses, other guests included Olympic rider William Fox-Pitt and jockey Tony McCoy.
TV presenter Natalie Pinkham was also there, along with Zara’s best man 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 have both pursued separate careers over the years.
Mike retired from professional rugby in 2014, but continued to earn a living through brand endorsements and advertising.
He appeared 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 an entrepreneur for several brands and companies.
The bridal party pictured gathered outside at Canongate Kirk
The Zara dress was designed by the late monarch’s favourite couturier, Stewart Parvin.
The bride and groom are photographed getting into their limousine after the wedding ceremony.
Zara photographed holding a white floral arrangement at her wedding.
The couple maintain close relations with their royal relatives, especially the Welsh ones.
Speaking to The times Earlier this year, a royal source dubbed Mike and Zara “the glue of their generation of royals, no matter how serious the occasion.”
“They can help the family forget the seriousness of what is happening,” they added.
‘While some family members can be very ‘real’, Mike is himself and is relaxed and playful with George, Charlotte and Louis.
“It’s helpful if everyone has children of roughly the same age, who they can have fun with together in private 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 become since the late Queen’s passing in 2022.
She spoke of how the Royal Family “came together overnight” after her death.
The couple have a close relationship with the royal family, especially the Welsh. Above: William and Kate 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 ace also revealed 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 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, walked behind the Waleses with her parents.
