Tindall admits he told lies over drunken night with blonde: Shamed England star now faces fresh questions from Zara

By Simon Parry


England rugby star Mike Tindall was last night facing a fresh inquisition from his wife Zara Phillips after admitting that he lied about his drunken night out with a mystery blonde in New Zealand.

Tindall - newly married to the Queen’s granddaughter - had insisted he went back to his hotel alone after CCTV captured him canoodling with the young woman in the Altitude bar in Queenstown.

Now an investigation by The Mail on Sunday has forced Tindall, 32, to confess that he and the blonde went on to a second bar, Cowboys, where they behaved like a smooching teenage couple in full view of other members of the England party.

Canoodling: Tindall and the blonde in the Altitude Bar before going on to Cowboys

The Mail on Sunday has been given a startlingly clear image of the blonde - who has still not been identified - which was captured on the high-tech CCTV cameras in Cowboys, where she spent more than an hour with Tindall.

When witnesses first claimed that Tindall and the blonde had gone on to Cowboys together after leaving Altitude just before 2am on September 12, Tindall assured England team managers and his public relations representatives that the claims were false.

He was so vociferous in his insistence that, embarrassingly, a partner from the Queen’s law firm Farrer and Co, acting for the Rugby Football Union, was duped into calling The Mail on Sunday last Saturday to claim falsely that Tindall had gone straight back to his hotel alone.

The denials came after Zara, 30, flew to join Tindall in New Zealand last weekend for a reconciliation. They ate out happily together after last Saturday’s victory over Romania, appearing to put behind them the controversy over the first CCTV film, which was shown on YouTube.

Now Tindall, who only married Princess Anne’s daughter at the end of July, has been forced to issue a grovelling apology and admit he lied and went on to visit Cowboys with the blonde from 2am until shortly after 3am.

Last Saturday, media lawyer Julian Pike, of Farrer and Co, had phoned The Mail on Sunday to say it was ‘categorically untrue’ that Tindall had gone to a second bar with the woman.

He said: ‘They did not go to a second bar. He was shoved in a taxi by some mates back to his hotel.’

The call was designed to stop a story, quoting witnesses who had seen the couple, from going to press last weekend.

When The Mail on Sunday contacted Tindall and Zara’s spokeswoman at Juniper Sport PR last Saturday at 3.59pm for a comment about our story, she said: ‘We won’t be making any comment. If I have any other questions, I’ll come back to you.’

At 7.04pm, she called back to confirm that the bar in our story was called Cowboys.

Hotspot: The Cowboys Bar where Tindall went with the mystery blonde after leaving Altitude


At that point she added: ‘Mike wasn’t in that bar. Mike wasn’t in any bar. Mike went home after Altitude. This is totally not for printing. We have no comment on this story.

‘Off the record, he did not go to any bar after Altitude bar. He went back to his hotel. The team hotel. I don’t want to be quoted on any of this. I’m just telling you that he did not go to another bar.’

But on Friday, after our continuing investigations confirmed the existence of date-stamped CCTV footage proving beyond doubt that Tindall was in Cowboys with the blonde, the player finally admitted that he was there. Tindall’s public relations company Juniper Sport issued a statement pinning the blame on its client.

It said: ‘Mike Tindall gave his PR consultants and the Rugby Football Union his assurance that he had not attended the Cowboys bar, having left the Altitude bar.

‘In good faith, his PR consultants, the RFU and the RFU’s solicitors relied upon that assurance when dealing with last week’s story.

‘However, Mike now accepts that his recollection was incorrect and he apologises unreservedly for this misjudgment.’

Tindall now faces explaining to Zara – who left New Zealand early last week but is expected to return to watch him in the later stages of the Rugby World Cup - why he tried to cover up his visit to Cowboys. Its owner Leo Molloy earlier confirmed that Tindall and the blonde had been captured on the bar’s high-tech CCTV cameras.

But he refused to show the video, saying: ‘Our position is that if it’s not a crime, then we won’t release the footage. Rooting [having sex] isn’t a crime in New Zealand.’

A witness who has viewed the Cowboys video said it could create severe matrimonial friction for Tindall, who only married Zara at the end of July. It shows the blonde chatting to other members of the England party as well as planting kisses on a clearly-drunk Tindall.

Clips of the film have been shown to Mail on Sunday journalists in response to Tindall’s denials that he was at the bar.

In the earlier CCTV footage from Altitude, leaked on to YouTube by bouncer Jonathan Dixon, Tindall was alone with the blonde while other players had left.

In Cowboys, he appears to have rejoined a party of at least half a dozen players and people from the England party.

‘What might upset Zara about the Cowboys video is that he’s surrounded by people who she probably knows and who she might have expected to step in and tell him to behave himself,’ the witness said.

‘Instead, you can see that they act as if they know the woman and aren’t at all surprised to see her and Tindall getting cosy with each other.’

Another person who has viewed the video said: ‘You can see by the way she moves and conducts her-self that she is a middle-class, Home Counties girl. She is socially confident and seems to know the England players and the people with them well.

Man of action: Tindall played for England in their victory over Scotland yesterday

‘It looks from the way she chats to other members of the England party, and touches them on the arm, that they know her, too, and they are very friendly and familiar with her.’

Describing the blonde’s antics with Tindall in Cowboys, the first witness said: ‘She is extremely flirty and does 99 per cent of the running while Tindall sits slumped in his seat.

‘She’s a very good-looking girl and she knows it. She goes over and kisses him and tries to drag him up to dance but you can see he’s too trashed to get out of his seat - so she leaves him there and comes back to him from time to time.

‘He only kisses her back once. In every other case, it’s she who kissed him - she’s obviously making a big play for him.’

In one CCTV sequence, the blonde kisses Tindall full on the lips as he sits in his seat. In another, she walks behind Tindall in a corridor next to the toilets in Cowboys and stops to chat to another woman who is with the England party.

The final film sequence shows the blonde leaving the bar with Tindall shortly after 3am while a friend, believed to be a fellow England player, helps to support the newly-wed, who bumps into a wall and can barely stand.

There is no suggestion that the blonde went anywhere else with Tindall after Cowboys. Other witnesses have said Tindall took a taxi back to the team hotel alone.

The second witness said: ‘It is possible that Tindall has no recollection of going to Cowboys and that’s why he denied it. But there were other people from the England party in the bar, so he must have checked out what happened with them.’

Filmed on 16 high-definition digital security cameras, the Cowboys video is much clearer than the relatively grainy images from the Altitude bar. In one sequence, the blonde’s face is clearly visible as she walks in the corridor outside the bar’s toilets.

Zara Phillips’ spokesman has said the woman in the video – who looks to be in her early 30s - is an old friend of the couple who attended their wedding and lives in Australia. Tindall has reportedly told Zara that the woman is a former girlfriend.

Jonathan Dixon, 40, the bouncer who claims he leaked the CCTV footage of Tindall - who was injured in England’s 16-12 World Cup win over Scotland yesterday - and the blonde in Altitude on to YouTube partly because he was ‘outraged’ by what he called Tindall’s ‘sleazy’ behaviour, is due to make a second court appearance in Queenstown tomorrow, accused of accessing a computer system for a dishonest purpose.


source:dailymail

Tindall and yet another CCTV mystery as news of second piece of footage emerges

By Richard Shears


Smiles: Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips strolling hand in hand, just hours before it emerged another humiliating video exists of her husband's flirty night


Zara Phillips smiles broadly as she strolls hand in hand with Mike Tindall, hours before it emerged another humiliating video exists of her husband’s flirty night with a mystery blonde.

A second CCTV video is said to have captured the England rugby star with his female companion two weeks ago.

The images are from Cowboy Bar in the New Zealand resort of Queenstown, 100 yards from the Altitude nightspot where footage seen around the world was taken.

Similar footage: The CCTV images taken in Cowboy Bar are supposedly similar to that of Altitude Bar, (pictured)


The pair are said to have gone to the bar after leaving Altitude.

Tindall’s only hope of saving his bride of seven weeks from further heartache is the promise by Cowboy’s manager, Mel Latu, that the video will not find its way on to the internet.

‘We don’t want to ruin this guy’s life,’ said Miss Latu. ‘Similar to what they say about sports lives and private lives, what goes on in our bar, stays in our bar.’

Tindall and his blonde companion reached the Cowboy Bar around 2am, after he had been seen hugging and kissing her in Altitude.

Upset: After the original CCTV footage came out Zara Phillips was pictured looking tearful at the International Horse Trials


Miss Latu said she has seen the CCTV footage and it is much the same as the Altitude video. ‘My boss doesn’t want anyone to see it,’ she insisted.

Meanwhile a man associated with the Heritage Hotel, where the England team were staying in Queenstown, has told the Daily Mail Tindall arrived there alone in a taxi some time after 3am.

‘He was very drunk, fell down in the road and I had to help him to his room,’ said the man.

‘But I can assure you he was alone. There was definitely no blonde with him.’

The news of a second video is likely to heap further humiliation on Zara, who appeared to have forgiven her husband’s cavorting when she met up with him in Dunedin at the weekend.

They enjoyed lunch with two friends on Friday and Zara watched Tindall play in England’s 67-3 World Cup victory over Romania on Saturday.

The couple celebrated with a meal in the town’s Bacchus restaurant last night.

Happier times: The pair at their wedding day in July


source:dailymail

Zara's look that says: You got away with it this time

By Richard Shears In Dunedin


Happier than ever: Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall looked happy and relaxed as they left the Bacchus restaurant in Dunedin, New Zealand


Whatever Mike Tindall said to his royal bride about his recent indiscretions, it seems to have worked.

He and Zara Phillips made a smiling appearance yesterday which suggested she had forgiven him for his flirtatious encounter with a mystery blonde.

The England rugby captain, in New Zealand for the World Cup, had been reunited with Zara on Thursday night when she arrived in Dunedin.

Off the hook: Zara and Mike were photographed leaving the Southern Cross Hotel together yesterday morning

Among friends: Zara and Mike Tindall have lunch with Bex Murray, in stripes


Yesterday they emerged from the team hotel - the Queen’s granddaughter in grey woollen poncho and jeans, her husband in T-shirt bearing the slogan Super Warriors.

They joined singer Bex Murray and another woman for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, where Tindall made a point of repeatedly flashing his wedding ring.

There had been suggestions that Miss Murray, a friend of Zara who sang at her 30th birthday party, was the mystery blonde - a rumour sparked because the England team had visited her family's ranch in the mountains the day after Tindall's drunken night out in Queenstown.

But Miss Murray has said she wasn't even in Queenstown that night - and her presence at the lunch table yesterday backed up her words.

Locked down: England's Mike Tindall runs at Romania's players during their Rugby World Cup match today

Cheering on her man: Zara Phillips watches Mike Tindall during today's England match against Romania


It seemed unlikely that newly-wed Zara would ask a woman who flirted with her husband to share her table.

Footage of 32-year-old Tindall with the blonde was posted last week on YouTube, leading to fevered speculation about what happened that night.

However the Daily Mail has spoken to a hotel staff member who was on duty in the early hours and confirmed that Tindall arrived back alone - and in no state for philandering.

'He was so drunk that he couldn't even stand when he got out of the taxi,' the worker told the Mail.

'I had to help him across the road to a private part of the hotel where the players were staying.'

The worker told the Mail that if Zara wanted confirmation of this, he would be happy to provide it - but her composure suggested that her husband's explanations and assurances have been enough.

Troublesome behaviour: Mike Tindall was seen getting his head kissed by a mystery blonde on September 11


source:dailymail

On his best behaviour: Tindall is left carrying the suitcase as Zara is reunited with sheepish husband

By Richard Shears In Dunedin


Showdown: Zara and Mike arriving at their hotel in Dunedin... with Tindall left carrying the heavy suitcase


Mike Tindall looked decidedly sheepish at yesterday's press conference, despite claiming the past week had 'not really' been a difficult time.

And following his troublesome night out on the tiles last week, the rugby star is clearly still on his best behaviour.

Within minutes of being reunited with his wife of seven weeks in Dunedin New Zealand, where the England Rugby team is based, Tindall had fallen into line.

Better together: Zara (right, with black hat) and Tindall (left, in grey top) are meeting for the first time since the rugby player's infamous night out last week


As Zara strolled into their hotel carrying her small handbag, Mike followed with a heavy-looking suitcase that must have been the one his wife had traveled to New Zealand with.

The chivalrous move, and reassuring words that were exchanged in private, clearly worked as Zara and Mike were all smiles when they emerged from their hotel this morning.

Zara and Mike Tindall have tried their best to put the mystery blonde rumours behind them.

At a press conference yesterday, the few words the rugby captain uttered during left little doubt that he was contrite about his drunken behaviour in a New Zealand bar.

Meanwhile, Zara's movements made it clear this was a matter to be sorted out between the two of them in absolute privacy.

Off the hook: Zara and Mike looked happy and relaxed as they left the Southern Cross Hotel together this morning

Fresh-faced: The couple did not look like they had lost much sleep over the mystery blonde rumours


The Queen's 30-year-old granddaughter cleverly dodged every professional photographer as she bunny-hopped her way down through New Zealand before being snapped in a grainy image as she hurried across the airport tarmac when she arrived in the southern city of Dunedin.

A short time later Zara confronted her 32-year-old husband of seven weeks after she was rushed in through a rear entrance of the players' five-star Southern Cross Hotel - while he followed carrying the suitcase.

What then went on when they finally met 11 nights after he was seen on a 12-minute security video cuddling up to and kissing the blonde woman will perhaps never be revealed.

All smiles: The newlyweds relaxed with their friends inside the hotel...

... then headed out for a coffee making it clear that they are not going to hide away from the media


But they seem to have put their troubles behind them. The couple both looked relaxed and happy as they went to a local cafe this morning for a coffee.

When Tindall faced the media for the first time yesterday at a Press conference in Dunedin to talk about the England team's World Cup game against Romania tomorrow he was sheepish and clearly reluctant to be reminded of his late-night antics in Queenstown, 110 miles away.

Asked whether the past days since the video became viral had been a challenging time, his mumbled reply of 'not really' did not appear to convince those present in the room.

United front: Zara landed in Auckland yesterday on Wednesday but wasn't reunited with her husband until last night


Yes, he admitted, that he had been disappointed he was not called upon to play in the following weekend's game against Georgia, adding: 'Obviously, you want to play every game.' He was pushed on whether whether the CCTV footage, which has resulted in the bouncer who posted it on YouTube being charged with illegally obtaining it, was likely to have affected his game in any way, he replied: 'I hope it's fine.'

Appearing uneasy about the questions as he was pressed for more details about the night, he was saved by the intervention of England coach Martin Johnson who said: 'We've put it to bed - we've played since then, it's not an issue.

'I spoke in a long press conference about it last week. We've had that conversation.

Feeling sheepish? Mike Tindall handled the inevitable questions about his marriage with ease

Relaxed: Zara beamed as she addressed a charity function in Auckland on Wednesday night


'We're looking forward to another game this weekend.'

While Tindall was ducking the questions in Dunedin, Zara was dodging pursuing photographers in the North Island - and managed to do so successfully with a little help from friends.

She had arrived in the country on Wednesday and made a surprise appearance at a charity event in Auckland. There was widespread speculation that she would be flying directly from Auckland to Dunedin yesterday, but no one saw her at Auckland airport yesterday.

Then came the revelation that she had turned up for lunch at the Gintrap Cafe and Bar in the east coast town of Napier, on the North Island.

The bar's manager confirmed she had enjoyed lunch with two friends at the cafe, when she ate calamari, while another friend dined on fish and chips.

Word was spread by officials in Dunedin that she would be arriving at the airport later that evening, but she surprised most photographers by arriving on a flight from Wellington earlier than expected.

'We have moved on': England coach Martin Johnson defended his star player from questions about the Nightclub upset


Dressed in dark clothing and a black hat, she was accompanied by a female friend as she dashed across the airport tarmac to a waiting silver Range Rover.

The vehicle then sped away, with a police car tailing it to cut off anyone who attempted to follow it.

She arrived at the Southern Cross Hotel a short time later and was whisked in through a rear door. There was no sign of her after that and it was believed she had gone straight to her husband's room.

Because of the secrecy surrounding her movements, it was not immediately known whether she planned to spend the night in the hotel.

Unlike restrictions placed on other national teams, coach Martin Johnson has made it clear he has no problem with WAGS - wives and girlfriends - staying with players during a tour.

Media attention: Tindall will be wishing the press had focused on the team's performance rather than his embarrassing night out


'You've got to trust them to make decisions on the field so you've got to do the same off it as well,' said Johnson as the players were preparing to leave for New Zealand.

'If you can't trust them at any point, then there are simply choices for us to make.

'You've got to have a balance in your life. The best thing you can have is your family there. I did in 2003. They give you some normality.

'The wives and girlfriends are all very sensible and very supportive and just want their partners to have a good experience in terms of playing.'

Ironically, Mr Johnson had added: 'It's a different world to 20 years ago when I toured New Zealand with the Lions and the boys had fun. Things have changed.

Troublesome behaviour: Mike Tindall was seen getting his head kissed by a mystery blonde on September 11

Happier times: Tindall and Zara on their wedding day seven weeks ago


'You've got to be careful and not put yourself or your team mates at risk.'

New Zealanders in Queenstown yesterday, the scene of Mr Tindall's drunken behaviour, were playing a guessing game over what might happen when Zara met him later in the day.

'We've seen him looking fresh faced on TV today - so if we see him tomorrow with a black eye, we'll know it wasn't from a rugby game,' said one wag.

Another said that the next few days would reveal whether Zara had forgiven her husband for his behaviour.

'If they put on a united show of love for one another, then we'll know she's allowed it to all blown over. It all depends on how they are with one another in the coming days.'

Mike Tindall is expected to train with the team at the Dunedin stadium today and Zara is expected to watch him play tomorrow.



source:dailymail

United front: Zara is all smiles as she arrives in New Zealand 'to quash Mike Tindall's mystery blonde rumours'

By Nick Fagge and Richard Shears


Confident: Zara Phillips is all smiles at a charity event in Auckland today


Wearing a little black dress and a wide smile, Zara Phillips seemed not to have a care in the world as she appeared at a charity event in New Zealand today.

The Queen's granddaughter has reunited with England rugby captain Mike Tindall, who is currently training for a World Cup match against Romania on Saturday, after footage emerged of his antics with a mystery blonde just seven weeks into their marriage.

Zara confidently addressed the audience for the occasion, held by CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, of which she is the international patron.

The Queen's granddaughter addressed the audience as the international patron of CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust


BBC sports correspondent Dan Roan broke the news that she would be flying in to New Zealand on Twitter yesterday afternoon.

He wrote: 'Dunedin Airport could be busier than normal on Friday. That's when Zara Philipps [sic] arrives to catch up with MrTindall - & there's no VIP exit'.

She's on the way: BBC News Sports Correspondent Dan Roan broke the news on Twitter


That tweet was closely followed by another: 'Hear Zara's already left - on her way to Australia -where she'll spend couple of days before arriving in Dunedin on Friday. Eng v Rom Sat'y'.

Zara has already gone some way towards brushing away infidelity rumours by winning first prize in an International three day horse trial in Ireland over the weekend.

But the strain the news had put on her was clear to see in early stages of the three-day event.

Things are looking up: Zara Phillips is shown receiving her 1st after winning the three-day eventing at the International Horse Trials in Ballindenisk, Co Cork (right), after looking glum earlier in the weekend (left)


The horse trials began after news broke that her 32-year-old husband had been caught on film ‘relaxing’ between games at the World Cup in New Zealand by kissing the pretty fan and cavorting with her at a bar in Queenstown a week ago.

In the film – captured by numerous CCTV cameras and publicised by a bouncer at the Altitude bar – the England captain can be seen hugging and manhandling the young woman as they down shots of vodka.

After she has pulled him down towards her chest and kissed the back of his head, he then drags her out through the exit, where they walk off out of shot, entwined in each other’s arms.

Suspicious behaviour: Tindall is shown being kissed on the head by the mystery blonde, who supposedly went to university with the rugby player ... even though he did not go to university

More antics: Tindall posing with another blonde, Janine Jeferis on a night out in Queenstown, New Zealand


Miss Phillips has so far declined to discuss the incident, but on Friday a source close to her attempted to play it down, saying the woman in the video was ‘a friend’ of the couple and had been to their July wedding.

‘She is a friend of both Mike and Zara and has known Mike since university days,’ the source said.

‘She is an English girl living in Australia who was at their wedding. Zara is very relaxed about this, and the whole thing has been blown out of all proportion.’

Yet the claim Tindall had known the girl ‘since university days’ is a little odd given that he did not actually attend university.

Newlyweds: Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips tied the knot seven weeks ago


Although he won a place at Durham to study psychology, he instead went straight from grammar school in Wakefield to become a professional rugby player, after being snapped up by the Bath squad.

Tindall’s father Phil, 64, said his son had told him the girl was ‘an old friend’.

He said from the family home in Yorkshire: ‘He says she was an old friend and that’s that. He is ignoring it and concentrating on his rugby. We didn’t speak about Zara at all. I don’t think she is upset or has anything to be distressed about.’

Day job: England captain Tindall is shown tackling an Argentina player at the World Cup, hours before he went out to 'relax'

He added: ‘I’ve seen the pictures and must say I don’t recognise the girl in the footage at all.’

Tindall’s defenders argue that as a lifetime rugby man, there was nothing unusual about his night out with team-mates in New Zealand.

It was a night out that involved posing for photographs with attractive girls, and also with dwarfs who had been hired to entertain bar customers in a ‘Midget Madness Weekend’.

England team manager Martin Johnson has said the players were simply ‘letting off steam’, but it emerged yesterday that not all onlookers at the bar were impressed by Tindall’s behaviour.

It was claimed on Sunday that as he manhandled the blonde outside the bar at 1.30am, an Australian male tourist who recognised the rugby player told him: ‘You’re married. Pull your head in mate’.

Good spirits: Tindall joking around with Jonny Wilkinson during a training session in Dunedin this morning


source:dailymail

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