UK Queen's granddaughter to marry longtime boyfriend

[News_Editor]

UK Queen's granddaughter to marry longtime boyfriend

2010-12-23 09:34:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- The UK royal family on Tuesday announced that the Queen's oldest granddaughter, Zara Phillips, has been engaged with longtime boyfriend and acclaimed rugby player Mike Tindall.

Tindall, 32, proposed at the couple's Gloucestershire home on Monday. Phillips, who is 29, the 12th in line to the throne and is the daughter of the Princess Royal Anne and Captain Mark Phillips. No date has been set for the wedding.

"The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Zara Phillips to Mr Mike Tindall, son of Mr Phillip and Mrs Linda Tindall," said a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Queen.

Tindall and Phillips met during England's Rugby World Cup-winning campaign in Australia in 2003. Tindall is a England rugby union player and plays for the Premiership side Gloucester. He was named captain of his team for the 2010/11 season.

"I am delighted that Zara has agreed to marry me. We are both very excited about the next stage of our lives together," Tindall said, according to the BBC.

Phillips has also achieved success in sports. She won a gold medal in a three-day event at the World Equestrian Games in Germany in 2006. She was later also named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Her mother Princess Anne won the same award in 1971.

Last month, Prince William and girlfriend Kate Middleton announced their engagement. They are set to be married on April 29, with millions around the world expected to watch. The wedding of Phillips and Tindal will most likely be private.

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