Zara Phillips Backtracks on Marriage
As if the Prince William — Kate Middleton shock breakup was not enough, there are now reports that the “secret” engagement between Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall has been put on hold.
We are hearing that the culprit in this case is eerily similar to Kate’s complaint : It was his daddy wot done it!
It seems that Zara’s “daddy”, Mark Phillips, has his doubts about the burly rugger man and England International. And Zara has been listening to her daddy.
Any wedding would not have occurred until after the Beijing Olympic Games next year, but Mark wants his once-headstrong daughter to concentrate all her energies on the event and not on the prospect of conjugal bliss. He sounds like every trainer of every sportsperson since time began.
However, Zara’s mother, Princess Anne, is said to adore Mike, and he in turn regards Zara as the love of his life. Already entwined together in a house at Gatcombe Park, Anne’s country residence, he believed the marriage was virtually inevitable.
Like Kate, he didn’t reckon with “daddy”, though.
What will happen next? Better ask the old man.
Thats cute, every daddys are a little bit jealous of their daughter’s man. I like the daddy advice. Zara would regret to spend all her energy preparing her wedding during the next months and then falling to get the olympics. They have plenty of time.
By Lilyfromfrance on May 13th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
I agree that it would be difficult to plan a Royal wedding and train properly for the Olympics simultaneously. Mark Phillips is nothing if not focused and has a reputation for keeping “his eyes on the prize.” I would be interested to know what Peter Phillips thinks of Mike. Does anyone know that?
By Gigi on May 13th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Gigi, Peter is a rugby man who was once tipped to play for Scotland. I imagine he admires the great Tindall enormously.
Lily, the daddies of this world are always right. Zara will have to concentrate to reproduce her form at the World Championships.
By John on May 13th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Absolutely John, and I also think that there is more to Zara’s life than being a wife. She will be even happier to get married if she gets a medal before. Since everyone knows their secret engagement is not a secret, then they have plenty of time to announce a royal wedding. Zara and her brother seem to have nice parents.
By Lilyfromfrance on May 13th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
We’ll have to wait and see. But PLEASE for the love of all that is holy whenever her day comes I sincerely hope she hires a nice stylist to help her make her gown selection! PLEASE!!!
By Positive on May 15th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Hmmm…it seems our dear Positive is suggesting that she does not entirely like Zara’s sense of sartorial style.
Frankly, I agree. The word “flamboyant” comes to mind. 
At least in the UK brides have some taste and originality. Here in the USA, nearly every bride is wearing a bridal gown that is a strapless prom dress. The other big trend here is black bridesmaids dresses and dark red roses for bouquets. It looks like four and twenty blackbirds got baked in a strawberry pie! 
Yes, I am cranky. We are in desperate need of tea, I have no douubt! 
By Gigi on May 15th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Gigi, you are really too nice! The UK brides look like meringues!
By Lilyfromfrance on May 15th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
I’m not slamming the UK brides as I am sure they are lovely. But Miss Zara will need some …um…coaching for her big day, whenever it comes.
By Positive on May 15th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Why must Kate be brought into every royal coupling story.
William had his own reasons for dumping Kate.
Mike and Zara have a completely different relationship and their own reasons for doing things.
By mandy on May 17th, 2007 at 5:43 pm