As bookies stopped accepting wagers on Zara Phillips marrying her rugby star boyfriend amid concerns over insider knowledge, speculation over the possibility of nuptials between the Queen’s granddaughter and Mike Tindall continues.
The bookmakers’ cold feet could be well founded as, according to insiders, the pairing is a possibility. And while wedding bells may not be imminent, they could well be on the cards for the future.
It seems likely, however, that Zara, who is cautious following the break up of her turbulent relationship with jockey Richard Johnson, would be keen to live with her beau before settling down. “There is absolutely no way that Zara would accept a proposal without living with someone first. She’s just too pragmatic,” a friend was quoted as saying in The Daily Mail.
If that is the direction the 23-year-old chooses, she might enjoy support from a surprising source – her grandmother. While the Queen is not in favour of cohabitating before marriage, according to a royal insider the monarch is realistic about the situation.
“In an ideal world the Queen would prefer a more traditional courtship, but she is also more than aware of the problems created by settling down too quickly. Her own daughter married in haste at 23, only to be left deeply unhappy,” a source was reported as saying in the national daily.
And despite speculation over an engagement ring hidden beneath the white gloves Zara wore to church on Boxing Day, for now the pair seem happy to let their romance continue at its own pace. Indeed Princess Anne’s daughter made her feelings on the matter clear just a few months ago when she said: “I don’t think I’ll be getting married soon. I’m just happy with the way it is at the moment – getting on with my life.” |
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