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


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


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.


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


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.


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


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



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


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


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



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


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


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


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


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)


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


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


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