Zara Phillips, the Queen’s eldest granddaughter has wed her rugby-star boyfriend of seven years, Mike Tindall in a low-key Scottish ceremony.
A far cry from the pomp and glamour of this year’s “other” royal wedding, between Prince William and Kate Middleton, Zara’s 45-minute ceremony kicked off with flag waving by hundreds of well-wishers – and, naturally, the sound of bagpipes.
The private event, held at Edinburgh’s Canongate Kirk, was not broadcast on TV, and the bride, 30, arrived fashionably late, at 3:07pm for the 3pm ceremony.
With her blonde hair was swept up into a full-bodied chignon, Zara wore an elegant, very traditional ivory silk gown which featured a full-length flowing silk tulle veil.
The dress was designed by British fashion designer (and a favourite of the Queen), Stewart Parvin. Zara also donned her mother’s (Princess Anne) Greek Key tiara as well as Jimmy Choo shoes.
Mike, 32,and his best man, former Gloucester and England team mate Iain Balshaw, were dressed in traditional morning suits by Cad & The Dandy.
Among the guests was Zara’s grandmother, the Queen, as well as Prince Charles and Camilla (Duchess of Cornwall), as well as Prince William and Catherine (Duchess of Cambridge).
Other celebrity guests included English rugby players, Jonny Wilkinson and former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.
The wedding ceremony was followed by a reception at the Queen’s official Scottish home, the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
There will be no honeymoon – yet – for the couple, both of whom will partake in key sporting events later this week. Zara, a champion equestrian rider, has horse trials, while the groom, must play in England’s rugby international against Wales.
