Mike and Zara had relative 'dead against' marriage and feared being shunned

30 July 2023 , 10:00

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Mike and Zara had relative 'dead against' marriage and feared being shunned

Zara and Mike Tindall will no doubt be looking back with fond memories today - that's because they are celebrating their wedding anniversary.

King Charles' niece and her former rugby player husband married on this day 12 years ago in a beautiful ceremony in Edinburgh surrounded by their nearest and dearest, which included the late Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales, who themselves had tied the knot just months earlier.

As the newlyweds emerged from the Scottish capital's Canongate Kirk after the service, Zara and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here star Mike, shared a kiss and looked blissfully happy as they set off for their reception. However, there was one relative who wasn't happy about the marriage, and was actually 'dead against it' - Mike's late grandmother.

Zara and Mike Tindall at King Charles' Coronation in May (PA)

Mike's dad Philip revealed the doubts of the grandmother in an interview in 2020 and explained she feared Zara's royal status could be a problem - but soon realised there was nothing to worry about. He told the Sunday Times: "Linda's mum [Mike's grandmother] was dead against it. In her day, royalty married royalty and she thought the wedding would be shunned. But right from the start the whole family was just lovely."

Sadly, Mike's grandmother never got to meet Zara but his dad said he knows she would have approved of her grandson's wife. He added: "I know she'd have loved her as much as we do because she and Mike are perfect for each other."

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Zara and Mike's relationship started in 2003 after the pair were introduced by her cousin Prince Harry at the Rugby World Cup in Australia. They announced their engagement in 2010 and on her wedding day, Zara wore a stunning wedding dress by Stewart Parvin - a favourite designer her grandmother the late Queen.

The couple at Royal Ascot last month (Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)

After the church service, the royal family and other guests headed to Holyroodhouse for the evening reception. Speaking about their romance, Mike's previously said: "I've never been in love before, but Zara is the love of my life. No doubt."

In 2014, they welcomed their first child, a daughter called Mia who is now nine, and have another daughter called Lena, aged five. In 2021 they welcomed their first son, Lucas Philip, with Zara giving birth on the bathroom floor at their home in Gloucestershire.

It has been a busy summer for Zara and Mike, who have enjoyed some premier sporting events in recent months. After their high-profile appearance at the Coronation, they attended the Monaco Grand Prix at the end of May, where they soaked up the sun.

But on the way back to the UK, they ended up stunning holidaymakers when they were spotted taking an Air France flight back to London from Nice and sat in economy class, lifting their own bags into the overhead lockers.

At the beginning of June, they led racegoers by attending the Epsom Derby, where they coordinated their outfits - and also attended several days of Royal Ascot, where they even took part in the carriage procession. Earlier this month, the couple put on a loved-up display at Wimbledon, where Zara was seen kissing Mike as they watched the action from Centre Court.

But there was one royal event they swerved - Trooping the Colour as instead they were seen at the Isle of Wight Festival. There they reportedly put on a very passionate display as they were seen snogging on the dancefloor while partying late into the night. The couple boogied away to the hit song Common People when Britpop band Pulp took to the main stage. Earlier in the day, the pair watched OneRepublic and Courteeners on the main stage.

Jennifer Newton