What a contrast! Newlyweds Zara and Mike back in old jeans as they join Autumn, Peter and baby Savannah at Gatcombe

By DEBORAH ARTHURS

What a difference a week makes: Battered bootcut jeans with Timberland's and trainers - and is that a hole, Mike? The two join Autumn and Peter Phillips for the first day of the Gatcombe Park Festival of Eventing


It's been just under a week since they were sipping champagne in their wedding finery as they celebrated their marriage at Edinburgh's Holyrood House.

Today though, wedding gowns and morning suits were swopped for some rather more practical bootcut jeans and navy polo shirts as Zara and Mike attended the first day of Gatcombe Horse Trials.



Relaxed: If Zara was at all nervous about her upcoming competition on the final day of eventing this Sunday, she showed no sign as she chatted with family and friends


Joining Zara's brother Peter and sister-in-law Autumn with their baby Savannah, the group gathered to watch the opening day of eventing at the Gloucestershire festival.

Mike took time out from training with the England rugby team to attend the event with his new wife, who is to compete at Gatcombe herself on the final day of eventing on Sunday 7 August.


Happy couple: Mike and Zara are together again for the first day of the Festival of British Eventing after their work schedules meant they spent the first few days of married life apart


The Queen's granddaughter will ride for the last time on her 'horse of a lifetime' Toytown, as the gelding, who has suffered a series of injuries, is to be retired after Zara's event.

Eighteen-year-old 'Noddy' will be paraded in the main arena at 1.45pm on Sunday, so that his fans can pay tribute to the legendary white-flecked chestnut horse.


Scrub up well: Mike looked dapper in his suit when he married the Queen's granddaughter, Zara, in Edinburgh, while Zara looked beautiful in her magnificent Stewart Parvin gown


Doting: Autumn and Peter Phillips took turns bouncing their daughter Savannah on their knees as they watched the action at Gatcombe Park this afternoon


Any nerves Zara is feeling about her upcoming competition went unnoticed today though, as the former World Champion looked relaxed in the sunshine with her family.

Autumn and Peter, who will almost certainly attend Gatcombe on Sunday too, played the doting parents role as they took turns to bounce a delighted baby daughter Savannah on their knee.

The two looked every inch the loving family as they played with the little girl, smiling broadly as they passed her between one another.

It recalled the scene outside Holyrood House last weekend, when Autumn swung her giggling daughter into the air, planting a kiss on her cheek.


Relaxed: The three Phillips looked every inch the family unit as they attended the event today



All smiles: The scene recalled the family moment outside Holyrood House last week, as Autumn and Peter played with a delighted Savannah


source :dailymail

'Wedding was amazing, shame about the honeymoon!' It's back to work for Zara now too as she launches range of children's clothes

By Daily Mail Reporter


No honeymoon: It was straight back to work for Zara as she launched ZP176, her first equestrian range for children, helped by goddaughters and bridesmaids Nell Maude (left) and Jazz Jocelyn who posed in the line


Newlywed Zara Phillips said her weekend wedding to rugby star Mike Tindall was 'amazing' but admitted she was disappointed the couple are too busy to take a honeymoon.

The Queen's granddaughter was back at work today, launching a range of children's equestrian clothing just days after the couple's wedding at Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk. Tindall returned to training yesterday.

Zara, who will still be known by her maiden name, said: 'The day was amazing and to have all of your friends there in one place, for both of us, was the best part of it.

While ZP176 is her first line for children, Zara has been working with equestrian brand Musto since 2009, with the launch of her first line coming in 2010


'Unfortunately both of us do have quite busy lives so it's going to have to wait a bit for a honeymoon, but it is quite nice to go back to work as well.

'We're kind of missing the quiet period where we can catch up and have some sleep.

It's back to work and that's what we do.'

The royal bride, 30, said she was excited to be Mrs Tindall, but she will remain Zara Phillips to preserve her sporting name.

'I'm very much Mrs Tindall and will be privately and I'm sure publicly as well, but just for professional and sponsors I'm going to keep Phillips as well - I'll keep both of them!'

She said the day had been nerve-wracking, adding: 'Everyone looked really serious when I walked in.'

Zara denied reports that her cousin William - who married Kate Middleton in April - had been singing Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer at karaoke during Saturday's celebrations, telling reporters if anyone had been singing it would have been her husband.

Family affair: The launch for Zara's clothing line was relaxed and fun, echoing the informal, happy atmosphere of Zara's wedding last weekend

Work commitments: Speaking at the launch, Zara said she had an 'amazing' time at the wedding, but was a shame she and Mike hadn't been able to take a honeymoon yet


'There was no karaoke. I think there was assistance with the band, but that was about it,' she said.

The eventing world champion today unveiled her first children's equestrian collection at Manor Farm, in Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire.

The collection, named ZP176 Kids, has been made in collaboration with clothing brand Musto, which already has an adult clothing range with Zara, and will form part of the autumn and winter 2011 collection.

Zara, who will be competing in the Gatcombe Park horse trials later this week, showed off the new range of clothing, which was modelled by keen Pony Club members including two of her goddaughters - Nell Maude, 11, and Jaz Jocelyn, 8.

During the clothing launch the girls, who had also been bridesmaids at the wedding, took part in mounted games, which saw six riders take their ponies up and down a field showing off their riding talents.

Back in the game: Mike Tindall was also back at work, taking a break from training to pose for portraits during the England Rugby Club briefing today ahead of next week's match against Wales

How time flies: Just three days ago Zara and Mike were celebrating their marriage in Edinburgh, but both had to return to work as soon as the celebrations were over


The collection has been designed for seven to 13-year-olds and consists of jackets, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and socks, all in bright colours.

Zara said she hoped to encourage enthusiasm among young riders with the collection.

But despite the success of her dress at her wedding, the former equestrian world champion said she had no plans to design a range of dresses.

'Riding and being outside the whole time, these are kind of the clothes that I know and that I wear every day, so it was easier for me to do that than anything else,' she said.

'To try and bring that in for the kids as well has been really interesting. It's been really fun.

'It's always nice to dress up and put a dress on but day in, day out, horse riding is what I do.'

Zara has been involved in the entire creation of the collection, from design right through to being present at the development and testing of the products.

'I grew up wearing Musto so it was nice to expand on what they had when we were kids.

'It was more of making their range a bit like mine but in a smaller package - sort of 'Mini Me', but with the same great fabrics so they are able to go out and do whatever they want and still be technical and good.'



source:dailymail

Zara's elegant dress transforms her into quintessential English bride

By Deborah Arthurs


The blushing bride chose a full skirted gown with a row of covered buttons, and wore her mother's tiara to complete the elegant look


She is the royal known for her unconventional dress sense, with leopard print hats, a pierced tongue and plenty of cleavage her trademark.

Today though, the Queen's granddaughter put aside her more outlandish image and transformed into a quintessential English bride.

Her dress, by the Queen's own couturier Stewart Parvin, was a picture of elegant sophistication.

Picture of perfection: The short train and ivory silk was a traditional and demure choice for her big day


It was expected that Zara would wear a traditional gown - more classically beautiful and less high fashion that Catherine Middleton's Sarah Burton gown - and she did not disappoint.

The full gown was created in ivory duchess silk and softly ribbed faille, the skirt given volume with acres of stiff lace beneath. The corseted bodice of the gown ending in dramatic pleats on its dropped waist and sculpted the bride's slim figure, giving a dramatic bell-shaped silhouette.

No wonder she looks so happy! Beneath Zara's veil was her mother's glittering Greek Key tiara

The epitome of elegance: With silk tulle straps, a full skirt and a cathedral length veil, Zara looked gorgeous


Rather than the cropped jacket Zara was tipped to wear, she gave the gown the more demure touch that the royal occasion demanded.

The dress was crafted in faille, a softly ribbed silk. The chevron-pleated bodice ended in dramatic pleats on its dropped waist.

Silk tulle straps formed a V-shape at the back of the gown, with bias-cut raw-edged ribbons in silk faille and duchesse satin decorating the neckline and empire seam below the bust and finishing the hem of the dress. The full skirt featured concealed pockets.

Her full, cathedral length veil, pulled over her face as she arrived on the arm of her father Mark Phillips, was held in place by the Greek Key tiara, lent to Zara by her mother, Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal received it as a gift from the Queen in 1972, and wore it often during her engagement to Mark Phillips.

Adorable: The flower girls in their full-skirted frocks excitedly await for the beautiful bride to arrive

And the bidesmaid's looked good too: Maid of Honour Dolly Maude looked pristine with her elegant up-do and neat dress

Zara's hair and make up beneath that statement veil were simple and natural.

A girl after her mother's heart, Zara is a creature of habit when it comes to her hair, and today was no exception.

She wore her hair as she usually does for formal events - in a classic French twist - which she had created by Evangelos Tsiapkinis from the Mayfair salon MichaelJohn.

In her feet were the number one choice of shoe for so many brides: ivory Jimmy Choos.

Her white bouquet of elegant calla lilies was designed by London florist Paul Thomas

Zara is said to have chosen the Stewart Parvin gown from wedding boutique White Room in Minchinhampton.

The designer, who christens his dresses with such romantic names as Easy To Love and I've Got a Crush On You, seemed to have hit the mark today, as Zara appeared relaxed and happy - surely the goal of any bride on her big day.

Stewart Parvin was also behind the Queen's dress.

The three young bridesmaids wore white - echoing the bridesmaids at the wedding of Catherine and WIlliam - and the full-skirted dresses cinched with pale china blue ribbon featured columns of covered buttons running down the back, reminiscent of the detailing on the back of Pippa Middleton's now iconic bridesmaid dress.

Mother-of-the-bride Princess Anne performed impeccably from a style point of view, wearing a swishy coral pleated skirt with a vintage-inspired cropped jacket (knowing thrifty Anne, it could well really be vintage), its floral print adding the right amount of levity to the neat tailoring.

As ever, her hair was styled in the usual immaculate bouffant, topped off with a fascinator that matched the coral skirt.


source: dailymail

Now Zara dazzles on HER day as a wedding princess: The Queen's granddaughter ties the knot with rugby ace Mike Tindall

By Jo Macfarlane


Just married: Beaming bride Zara Phillips and her new husband Mike Tindall pose in Holyrood Abbey, Palace of Holyroodhouse following their marriage on Saturday


In a single tender moment, their love was plain to see. Standing in the warm Edinburgh sunshine, Zara Phillips sealed her marriage to England rugby star Mike Tindall yesterday with a gentle kiss.

The newlyweds gazed at each other and exchanged a sweet smile before leaving the Canongate Kirk on the city’s ancient Royal Mile hand-in-hand to greet the 6,000 well-wishers who had gathered on the narrow streets.


It was another proud day for the future of the British Monarchy.

Give us a kiss! Newlyweds Zara and Mike share a tender kiss outside Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland after getting married


Although the couple seemed determined to keep their wedding a private family occasion, the crowds seemed equally determined to share in their happiness during the first Royal wedding to be held in Scotland in 20 years.

Many frantically waved Union Jacks and the Scottish Saltire as the couple emerged from the ceremony shortly before 4pm, filling the air with cheers. Some, clearly touched by the splendour of the occasion, dabbed their eyes.

One of the highlights was always going to be the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, attending their first wedding since their own just three months ago.

Newlyweds: Zara and Tindall make their way out of the church a married couple

Simple but chic: The ivory dress by Stewart Parvin perfectly suited Zara's athletic frame


But even they could not overshadow Zara on her special day.

In a romantic full-length ivory silk gown with silk tulle detail, designed by the Queen’s favourite couturier Stewart Parvin, the one-time Royal rebel, who was on Friday seen in scruffy jeans and flip-flops, looked every inch the traditional bride.

For the talented equestrian – who is often reluctant to embrace her regal lineage – this was her chance to be a princess for a day.

So happy: The bride looked ecstatic as she waved to well-wishers after marrying Tindall

Radiant: Zara is led into Canongate Kirk by her proud father Mark Phillips ahead of the ceremony


With her blonde hair swept up into an elegant full-bodied chignon and sparkling with diamonds from the Greek Key tiara lent by her mother, she managed to look effortlessly beautiful and happy.

The full veil, also made of silk tulle, was held back from her face as she held a stunning large white bouquet, studded with thistles in a nod to the location, by Mayfair florist Paul Thomas. On her feet were an elegant pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

Zara, 30, reportedly the Queen’s favourite granddaughter, was accompanied to the church by her proud father Captain Mark Phillips after earlier leaving in a Bentley from the Palace of Holyroodhouse several hundred yards down the Royal Mile.

The old hands and the just weds: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (left) and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a Jane Troughton embroidered coat, LK Bennett nude heels and carrying a LK Bennett clutch

Family pride: Mother of the bride Princess Anne wore a red pleated skirt and floral jacket (left), while the Queen wore a pink Stewart Parvin jacket and matching hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan over a floral dress


She arrived at 3.07pm, fashionably late for the 3pm service.

Her maid of honour, best friend Dolly Maude, wore a dove grey dress with dramatic Dior bow by Stewart Parvin.

Her bridesmaids – Jaz Jocelyn, the daughter of a family friend; the best man’s daughter Hope Balshaw; Zara’s half-sister Stephanie Phillips; and Mrs Maude’s daughter Nell – wore off-white dresses with a simple bow by local dressmaker Sue Palmer. Pageboy Ted Maude, Zara’s godson, delighted the crowd in a traditional Balmoral tartan kilt.

Stylish sisters: Princess Beatrice went for blue Angela Kelly ensemble and yet another pair of nude heels, while her younger sister Princess Eugenie opted for a cream and brown number by the same designer

A right royal knees up: Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess Of Wessex arrive (left), while the bride's brother Peter Phillips, appeared to be an usher as he greeted guests

The in-laws: Princess Anne, her ex-husband Mark Phillips with the groom's parents Linda and Phil Tindall


The couple had begun their wedding celebrations in style with a cocktail party on board the decommissioned Royal yacht Britannia on Friday night. Later, wedding guests were to be seen on George Street enjoying Edinburgh’s nightlife.

But Zara returned to the Queen’s official Scottish residence, Holyroodhouse, to spend her final night as a single woman with close family.

Senior Royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, also stayed at the Palace.

Smart: Prince Harry looked dapper in coat and tails (left), while the bride's sister-in-law Autumn Phillips looked chic in an eggshell suit

All present and correct: Prince Charles, the Duchess Of Cornwall, Princes Harry and Willaim and the Duchess of Cambridge all gather at the gates of the Kirk following the wedding

And now to the party: The royal family file out of the church (L-R) Prince Charles; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Harry; Princess Beatrice; Catherine, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince William; Princess Eugenie (just seen) and Prince Andrew


The peace of the Palace was in sharp contrast to the bustle on the Royal Mile where preparations began at breakfast time yesterday. Florists fixed a canopy across the porch of the 17th Century church, the official Kirk of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and made final preparations within as crowds began to build swiftly outside.

Many queued early to ensure a glimpse of the happy couple, their Royal guests and the rugby stars in attendance.

They began to arrive shortly after 1pm to cheers and applause. One of the first was actress Katherine Kelly, 31, who plays Becky McDonald in Coronation Street and went to school with the groom in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Ready to rumble: Tindall and his bridal party make their way into the church

Classic: The bridesmaids wore cute ivory dresses while maid of honour Dolly Maude looked amazing in her high-necked gown, also made by Parvin


The biggest cheer was reserved for the arrival of the 32-year-old groom along with best man and former Gloucester and England team mate Iain Balshaw, who was nursing a bruised face following a recent accident on his moped.

They were joined by ushers Ian Tindall, the groom’s older brother; the bride’s brother Peter Phillips; Gloucester winger James Simpson-Daniel; James Lofthouse, who played youth rugby with Tindall; and Bath player Andrew Beattie.

All were dressed in identical morning suits by Cad & The Dandy with Oliver Sweeney shoes.

The Queen, in an apricot wool coat and printed silk dress also by designer Parvin, and the Duke of Edinburgh were the last guests to arrive.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – unquestionably the star guests and using their Scottish title as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn for the first time – arrived with Prince Harry and appeared at pains not to be seen to outshine the happy couple, making their way straight into the church.

Stylish: Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly was among the first guests to arrive

Sophisticated: The Saturdays singer Una Healy wore a pretty black and turquoise strapless dress as she attended with her boyfriend, rugby player Ben Foden


Kate was elegant in a tailored cream embroidered jacket – which she first wore in 2006 to the wedding of Camilla Parker Bowles’s daughter Laura – and matching broad-brimmed hat, while William looked dashing in a morning suit.

Princess Anne’s mother-of-the-bride outfit was an elegant floral bolero-style jacket with pleated dark pink skirt. The Princess Royal was accompanied by her second husband, Commander Timothy Laurence.

Neither Harry’s former girlfriend, Zimbabwean Chelsy Davy, nor the Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister Pippa Middleton, were invited.

Other Royals attending included Prince Charles and Camilla, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Prince Andrew and his daughters Princess Beatrice and Eugenie.

The young Princesses appeared keen to improve their style credentials after their outfits at William and Kate’s wedding saw them unkindly compared to ‘pantomime dames’. Beatrice wore a flattering marine blue skirt and matching pillbox hat, while Eugenie looked elegant in a chocolate and cream outfit with bow detail.

Leggy ladies: (L-R) Natalie Pinkham wore a backless red dress while Kirsty Gallacher (with partner Paul Sampson) opted for a colourful number with nude heels, while Olympic Skeleton racer Amy Williams donned a pretty nude-coloured dress and matching hat

Among the crowd, shop assistant Lyndsay Wallace, 29, from Motherwell, said: ‘I liked the turquoise outfit Beatrice was wearing, it was a better look this time – that hat at William and Kate’s wedding wasn’t nice at all.

‘It was great to see Zara’s dress, she looked gorgeous. Everyone loved to see Wills and Kate too.’

Other guests included Harry’s former girlfriend, TV presenter Natalie Pinkham, the bride’s godmother Lady Helen Stewart and her racing driver husband Sir Jackie Stewart, and Zara’s godfather Andrew Parker Bowles, ex-husband of the Duchess of Cornwall.

Many of the elite of English rugby were there, including the team’s manager Martin Johnson, Sir Clive Woodward, Lawrence Dallaglio, Mike Catt, Austin Healey and Jonny Wilkinson.

Ready to party: England rugby player Jonny Wilkinson (left) and former
England captain Lawrence Dallaglio and his wife Alice leave after the wedding


Leading equestrians, including world number two eventer William Fox-Pitt and 2010 Sports Personality of the Year, jockey Tony McCoy, also arrived.

Few details were released about the ceremony and no cameras were allowed inside the church, but it is known that it was filled with hundreds of scented white stargazer lilies, roses and carnations and, in an echo of William and Kate’s wedding, the branches of beech trees.

The 45-minute ceremony was conducted by Canongate’s resident minister Reverend Neil Gardner. A choir of 15 boys and girls from Zara’s old Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun performed Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, Love Divine All Loves Excelling, Amazing Grace and Jerusalem, as well as a Gaelic blessing.

The happy couple left the Kirk in a Bentley for the 400-yard journey to Holyroodhouse for the reception.

Suited and booted: Racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart and his wife Helen (left) and Irish jockey AP McCoy and his wife Chanelle


They were followed by senior members of the Royal Family and Tindall’s delighted parents Linda, a 63-year-old retired social worker, and Phil, 64, a former bank official.

Zara’s stunning look continued during the evening reception when she reportedly changed in to a gown by Dublin couturier Paul Costelloe.

A grand marquee was erected in the piazza of the palace where guests enjoyed a champagne reception as a military band played.

Dinner had a Scottish theme and included a lobster and crayfish cocktail, Scottish venison with dauphinois potatoes, and a chocolate fondant with strawberries. The party was organised by Peregrine Armstrong Jones of party planners Bentleys, who designed the wedding with the couple and Princess Anne.

For the newlyweds, there will be no immediate honeymoon. Instead, in keeping with their down-to-earth approach, they will go back to work – Zara will head off to the Gatcombe International Horse Trials while her husband will return to training.

ZARA & MIKE - A WEDDING FIT FOR A MODERN ROYAL

By SARAH OLIVER

She is, famously, the grandchild of the Queen who does not to bear a title. But yesterday when Zara Phillips wed an English rugby hero in Edinburgh’s ancient Canongate Kirk, she claimed the only one that really mattered to her, that of Mike Tindall’s missus.

It was not, despite the couple’s fervent and frequently expressed hopes, the wedding of two commoners in the quietude of Caledonia. How could it be when those simple words ‘family of the bride’ meant pews stuffed with senior Royals led by Her Majesty and augmented by the extraordinary crowd-pulling power of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge?

Mix into the congregation the sporting aristocrats of the England rugby team, a society and celebrity smorgasbord of chums including an actress from Coronation Street, a singer from The Saturdays – and the newly single Prince Harry relishing a scrumdown by way of the aftermatch revelry – and this was always going to be a right royal spectacle.

It was the ‘Other Royal Wedding’, the champagne quaffing, high-spirited hard-partying belly laugh counterpart to the pomp and pageantry of William and Kate’s marriage in April.

But as another member of the Royal Family dipped into the middle classes to find herself a rather uncommon commoner – a man who has been capped for his country 70 times – it was also a bellwether as to the changing hopes and expectations of this, the coming generation of the House of Windsor.

Zara, 30, a world champion equestrian, is legendarily low key. Part of her charm, however, is that as an international three-day eventer or as a glamorous young Royal, she knows how to pull a great performance out of the bag when it matters.

Rugby faces: (Left to right) Clive Woodward, Austin Healey and Martin Johnson make their way inside


Yesterday as the cobbled streets of Edinburgh shimmered in unexpected heat and the city seemed to vibrate with the power of a military pipe band, it was showtime.

The first hint came with Zara’s decision to spend her last hours as a single woman in the Queen’s Edinburgh home, Holyroodhouse. For within its great, grey turreted fastness lies a baroque palace of gilded splendour fit for a princess.

Confirmation that Zara was going for gold came a few minutes after 3pm when she emerged – late as is the bride’s prerogative – with her father, Princess Anne’s first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. Gone was the tousled blonde hair, the face free of make-up, the hands more familiar with mucking out than manicures and her habitual off duty outfit of a fleece and wellies.

In their place was a stunningly athletic frame with toned and tanned arms showcased in a sleeveless frock of ivory silk faille by designer Stewart Parvin.

Her bright blonde hair was swept up and pinned in place with her mother’s Greek Key tiara and around her swirled a bouffant cathedral-length train. She carried a creamy bouquet and was shod in a pair of Jimmy Choos.

She looked pinkly pretty, the flush of a sport-loving country dweller replaced by the blush of a delighted bride. The days of the blue-blooded rebel who once shocked with her tongue stud seemed distant indeed as she alighted from her blue Bentley Mulsanne outside the Kirk, turned to give the crowd a modest wave and disappeared inside.

Historical setting: Zara and her father arrive at the 17th century building


It is, by all accounts, Tindall, 32, and their six-year courtship which has tamed her. A man whose vastness has earned him the nickname The Fridge, he is short on looks, long on old school charm and stout of heart. He is close to his mum Linda, a social worker, and dad, Phil, a prison finance officer, and cleaves to his Yorkshire roots. Yesterday, he chose to marry in a bespoke morning suit of black barathea woven in his native West Riding.

Those who know the couple declare them a perfect match, with a shared passion for sport, a fierce work ethic and a down-to-earth attitude. More romantically, Tindall has described himself and his new wife as ‘fire and ice’, he the cool stoic to her emotional hothead. He would love her, he has said, were she a Tesco checkout girl.

Luckily for him though, she isn’t, she’s 13th in line to the throne. And no matter how much they tried to pretend their nuptials were just a bit of a do for a rugby champ and his blonde squeeze, by the time Tindall arrived at the Kirk well over an hour ahead of his bride there was no getting away from the fact that Edinburgh was fair glittering with royal stardust.

It was there in the golden antlers standing atop the apex of Canongate Kirk which came from a stag shot in 1949 at Balmoral by Zara’s great grandfather, King George VI. And it was there in the 6,000 strong crowd thronging the narrow edges of the Royal Mile, yelling their approval, waving a multitude of flags and toasting the couple with plastic glasses of fizz.

That's something blue sorted: Members of the public check out the Kirk following the wedding service

Arriving in style? A coach pulls up outside the venue carrying celebrity guests including Kelly (orange hat just seen)


Comparisons with the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were inevitable.

There were marked similarities in Zara and Mike’s choice of hymns including Love Divine All Loves Excelling and Jerusalem, sung by a 15-strong choir from Zara’s alma mater, Gordonstoun.

Her choice of white roses and Scottish beech tree branches to decorate the simple interior also recalled the Duchess’s glorious tree-lined aisle in Westminster Abbey. But mostly there were marked differences: no Heads of State (unless you count Granny) or politicians in attendance, no global audience of two million.

Above all there was privacy. When the red doors of the Kirk clanged shut behind the bride the only cameras rolling were her own. But we can imagine that the atmosphere among the 300 guests must have been just as jolly, just as intimate and just as relaxed as the glimpses we have had into their preparation. This was after all a bride who turned up to her wedding rehearsal in flip-flops and skinny jeans.

The Kirk is Church of Scotland and follows the Presbyterian tradition. Its walls and pews are painted a stern royal blue and it is without stained glass or other adornments.

It is uncomplicated to the point of austerity and does not even have an altar, meaning the couple were wed before a hand carved Communion Table, with the 45-minute service led by Canongate Minister, the Rev Neil Gardner.

Ready and waiting: Crowds line the streets outside the venue waiting for a glimpse of the blushing bride

A beautiful day for a wedding: Locals wave flags as they watch and wait for Zara's arrival

Outside on the Royal Mile crowds strained to catch a glimpse or a whisper from within. But there was none to be had and they had to content themselves with the head swivelling cavalcade of Royals and rugby players who first arrived at the Kirk and then departed for the Holyroodhouse reception.

It’s hard to recall seeing such a procession of glamorous women and wide thighed men, of princes and princesses, and of friends made and kept in the real world.

Naturally, all eyes were on the Duchess of Cambridge, attending her first wedding since her own, lustrous in a silken coat of palest gold with a large straw hat anchored by flowers. She looked as she always does: born to it.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie on the arm of their father Prince Andrew looked sharp courtesy of their new stylist – there was no repeat of their twin hat horrors in the Abbey in April.

Camilla was the surprise of the day, winding down her window the better to acknowledge the crowds, her broad and genuine smile as permanent a fixture as her trademark extravagant hat.

The crowd was rewarded with a kiss on the church steps. It was a proper smacker, further evidence of the unembarrassed tactility which has proved a gift for those chronicling Zara and Mike’s love affair from its beginnings at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

They looked, just as they had wished, briefly ordinary, like a woman wooed by text message and proposed to as she sprawled on the sofa and a chap who’d be glad when he’d made his groom’s speech and could sink a few ales.

Then they climbed into their Bentley to lead the charge to the party, disappearing through the elaborate gates of Holyroodhouse for a what promised to be a long night of celebrations in the palace and its parkland beneath the looming shadows of Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat.

There, a giant marquee was to stage a dinner of lobster, venison and chocolate fondant and summer strawberries and the downing of many, many more glasses of Laurent Perrier champagne.

Beyond the hangovers however, there will be no honeymoon, for Mike is due to train with the England squad tonight and Zara supported his decision to put his commitment to the 2011 Rugby World Cup first.

And therein lies the key to their relationship. It was perhaps symbolic that in the Kirk as a brand new married couple, they passed beneath the badges of the Guilds which survived in Canongate for centuries, the Cordiners, the Wrights, the Hammermen, the Tailors, the Baxters (bakers) and the Weavers.

Excitement: Crowds of well-wishers brought their cameras to snap photographs of the royal and celebrity guests on the way to the wedding


For it was this couple’s powerful work ethic – in their respective sports – which brought them together, forged their love for one another and will doubtless be the framework on which the happiness and future family is built. They have made it entirely clear that as a married couple they will stick with that life, that they will belong to the Family, but not the Firm.

They will seek their own way in return for less scrutiny and a lower burden of Royal responsibility than higher profile members, living, working and loving beyond the walls of court and owing it no debt.

It is a dynamic the Queen has tried to encourage and presages the kind of Royal family over which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will one day reign.

And in that sense, this Scottish shindig was three things rolled into one: an ordinary wedding, a Royal wedding, and a declaration of intent.

Decorations: A worker adjusts the beautiful floral display above the door at Canongate Kirk

Gearing up: Residents in Edinburgh are no doubt looking forward to the big day, with one women wishing the royal couple luck with a banner hung over her balcony






source:dailymail