
Zara Tindall admits the Royal Family faces the 'same struggles as others' - and reveals a VERY saucy detail about her romance with husband Mike Tindall
Zara Tindall has candidly spoken out about the 'struggles' of life within the Royal Family - insisting that they experience the same emotional challenges as anyone else.
Speaking at a London Sporting Club lunch, the late Queen Elizabeth's eldest granddaughter offered a rare insight into the private world of the Windsors.
She reflected on the pressures and personal struggles endured by Britain's most scrutinised clan, The Sun reported.
'It's very hard to see from the outside,' Zara, who turns 44 today, admitted. 'But, 100 per cent, it is a family that is still going through the same struggles other people do.
'Whether they're about relationships - which, obviously, are on display every day - we're still very supportive of each other.'
In a touching tribute, Zara also spoke of her late grandmother, who died in 2022 at the age of 96.
'We had a very incredible person to look up to, who is sadly not here anymore,' she said.
'She was amazing and an inspiration to all of us.'
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Zara Tindall at the National Service of Thanksgiving to Celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022
The former Olympic equestrian also shared a cheeky tale from the early days of her romance with former England rugby star Mike Tindall.
Recalling a dinner date in 2003, Zara, who has no royal title, revealed their flirtation took an unexpectedly bold turn.
'He asked me for a kiss,' she laughed. 'And I said, "If you get naked, I'll give you a kiss."
'So he got naked, I gave him a kiss, and then... well, anyway.'
Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, recalled one night when Mike's partying got the better of him.
'He was so drunk he passed out and I had to leave him there,' she said.
'One of my mates had to come and pick him up. I can't move a 20-stone rugby player when he's out cold!'
Zara and Mike's marriage has grown into a famously solid union.
King Charles III and Zara Tindall hug as as they greet each other at the Endurance event at Windsor Castle in 2024
The couple, who wed in 2011, now share three children and regularly appear at both sporting and royal events.
It comes after Zara took part in an equestrian trial last weekend, with her family gathered to show their support.
Peter Phillips' daughters Savannah, 14, and Isla, 13, took selfies with their cousin Mia Tindall, 11 - who was on hand to cheer on her mother - as they took in the fifth and final day at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials on Sunday.
Looking sporty and casual, Savannah opted for a slouchy quarter-zip with shorts, and wore her wavy hair down, while her sister Isla was trendy in a Von Dutch cap and grey top.
Elsewhere, little Mia was adorable as ever in a chic white shirt and hat, teamed with a fun patterned skirt.
The kids clearly enjoyed some girl time as they were spotted chatting up a storm in the stands.
Their father Peter, 47 - who shares Savannah and Isla with his ex Autumn Kelly - looked after the royal cousins with his girlfriend Harriet Sperling, who looked summery and glam in a white and navy patterned dress.
Meanwhile, Princess Anne's son looked ready for every weather in a pinstripe button-down, gilet and a cap - along with aviator shades.
Meanwhile, Princess Anne's son looked ready for every weather in a pinstripe button-down, gilet and a cap - along with aviator shades
In one sweet father-daughter bonding moment, Isla could be seen huddling up to her dad for a cuddle.
The family was out to support Zara, who looked to be in high spirits as she collected a revered accolade at the event.
The mother-of-three beamed as she posed with other attendees in Gloucestershire.
Radiating sporty casual, the daughter of Princess Anne dressed for the warmer weather in wide-leg jeans and a blue cropped jacket, adorned with golden buttons.
She kept her blonde tresses out of her face with a ponytail, and looked excited to chat with others at event - even being snapped giggling at something.
Keeping her look practical yet classy, the mother-of-three donned simple white trainers.
For her make-up, Zara opted for a fresh-faced visage that accentuated her eyes, and kept accessories minimal.
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