DOWN UNDER DREAM

ROYAL UPDATE

Zara is aiming to ride out as part of Great Britain’s Tokyo Olympic team in July.

Looking for a sea change S plashing in the shallows of a Surfers Paradise beach, the little family were the picture of normalcy. The mum, trying to quieten a crying baby; a dad bodysurfing through the waves; a boisterous little girl, clad in a rashie, wanting to be just like her dad. But it was no normal family frolicking in the sun –it was the Queen’s granddaughter’s. HAPPY ZARA & Zara and Mike Tindall, accompanied for the first time by five-year-old Mia and 18-month-old Lena, were clearly having a ball as they enjoyed a summer’s day out, so it’s come as no surprise that the outdoorsmad family are considering a move Down Under. Speaking to The Australian Women’s Weekly, Zara admits she can see a future for her brood in Australia once she’s finished her career as an Olympic eventer. “Probably not while I’m THE ROYAL REVEALS THEY’D LOVE TO CALL AUSTRALIA HOME! ZARA & MIKE’S

to the beach –especially for the kids.” Zara and Mike travelled to Australia just after Christmas –which they reportedly spent with Mike’s family, rather than attend the royals’ traditional gathering at Sandringham –with Mike enthusiastically sharing pictures of their holiday on Instagram, including Sydney’s famed New Year’s Eve fireworks display. “Sydney isn’t a bad way to see in the New Year!” Mike posted –later showing off his dancing skills They may not have been at Sandringham but Zara and Mike did attend the Queen’s annual Christmas lunch, with Mike sharing previously unknown facts about the day, including that there were no Christmas crackers on the table. “The family lunch, there must have been about 70 of us –there are seven tables and the kiddies have their own little one in a different room. I was on Prince Charles’ table. It was lovely, really good.” However, the start to the new year wasn’t entirely smooth competing –that would be a little bit hard commuting. But after that… yes, I think if an opportunity came up we’d definitely think about it,” the 38-year-old says. Zara and Mike now refer to Australia as their “second home” after travelling to the country every January since 2012 for Zara’s duties as an ambassador and patron for the Magic Millions polo tournament. The laid-back Antipodean way of life –plus the sun and surf –are massive pulls for the Tindalls. While the pair are part of the royal family, they have no official duties thanks to Zara’s lack of title, which leaves her much freer than cousins princes William and Harry to make her own life decisions. “Early January is bleak over here [in England], so it’s nice to be able to go and have a bit of sun,” Mike says. “I love the lifestyle of Australia and the ability to get up early and go PLACE ZARA & MIKE’S Princess Anne (below, in 1976 with Prince Philip) and former husband Mark (below right, in 1972) passed their passion for horses down to Zara, who is passing it on to Mia (left).

for Zara, with the royal banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding. She accumulated too many points on her licence and was handed an automatic ban. Still, Zara and Mike (41) are said to be favourites of the Queen thanks to their lowaintenance approach to life. But Zara admits that 2020 for her family will be a busy one, as she hustles to make it on to Great Britain’s Olympic eventing team for the Tokyo Games later this year. Her passion for horses and riding is well known. Both of her parents − Anne, Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips –also represented their country, with Mark winning Olympic gold in Munich in 1972. "Working with horses, especially, is not easy,” she tells. “Everyone has to work as hard as the next person. So that's what I love about being part of the sport. Everyone has bad days and everyone has good days. It’s really humbling. “At the end of the day, we all do it because of our love of horses and competition; trying to get to the top, trying to be at the top. But that partnership you have with the horse is the main reason.” And it’s a passion that looks to have continued into the next generation, with both Mia and Lena showing signs they love being around horses. “Mia does like horses,” her proud mum says. “She rides a bit, and they’ve both been on ponies. But, again, it’s more about giving them that experience and that relationship. The experience that we had when we were young − being with an animal, learning how to treat an animal, learning how to look after an animal. All those things that are great for them as they’re growing up. Being outside, too. “All those life skills.” # Vivienne Archer Will they or won’t they? Zara and Mike hit the beach on the Gold Coast with Lena (above) and Mia (right). An Aussie lifestyle is one they’d love to embrace.