Mike Tindall admits it wasn't love at first sight with wife Zara: 'I didn't pay attention'

When sporting royalty Mike Tindall met real royal then-Zara Phillips, it wasn't love at first sight, Mike himself has confessed. Speaking together on the Talk Horse podcast, the married couple reminisced about their first encounter while in Sydney during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Mike explained that Zara was in a bar, which we know to be the Manly Wharf Bar, on a long lunch with all of her friends, admitting that he remembers them being "very loud".

"You didn't really notice me," chimed in Zara, and Mike agreed, adding: "I didn't pay attention the first time around."

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There was an important reason Mike was distracted at the time of their chance meet, and he reveals exactly why in the clip above.  

Of course, they met again, hit it off, and the rest is history. Fast forward to 2026 and they have three beautiful children together, Mia, Lena and Lucas. 

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When Talk Horse shared the clip online, fans were quick to praise the Tindalls on their happy marriage. "A truly lovely couple - Wishing you both and your family, every happiness," wrote one, and: "Fabulous couple," added another

Australia is a special place for Zara and Mike Tindall

Not only was Australia the first place they locked eyes, but it has continued to play a big part in their enduring love story. The couple revisit each year, sometimes together and sometimes as a whole family. They have openly branded it their "home from home".

Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, Zara revealed why she and husband Mike Tindall continue to make Australia their second home each January. 

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"We have always loved Australia, and it is like a home from home for us. We have been coming to Queensland for so long now it has become a tradition for the start of the year."

There have even been talks of the family relocating Down Under permanently one day. Speaking to Australian Women's Weekly in 2019, Zara revealed that the move could be on the cards. 

"Probably not while I'm still competing. It would be a little bit hard commuting. But after that… yes, I think if an opportunity came up we'd definitely think about it," she said.

Mike appears to be on board with the move, commending the place for its chilled pace. "It's not a rushed lifestyle. I think it's a great place and we enjoy it so much," the father-of-three said.