The Secret To Zara And Mike Tindall's Lasting Love Is One Simple Thing

The royal family hardly clues us in on the inner workings of their marriages, but occasionally, we get a few sweet tidbits here and there. For starters, we're thinking of all the rare times Kate Middleton and Prince William have packed on the PDA. Even more so, though, we think of Zara and Mike Tindall. Daughter of Princess Anne, Zara is an Olympic equestrian who's led a quieter life than other members of the royal family. Princess Anne decided early on not to give her children titles and therefore, Zara doesn't have the same formal royal duties as other working members of the family. Even though she doesn't necessarily have to be at family events, Zara is still often seen there. For example, showcasing her best royal wedding guest looks. Alongside her, her longtime husband and former rugby player, Mike Tindall. Her marriage to Tindall appears stronger than ever — even after 15 years of marriage. 

What's their secret, you ask? Apparently it's simple: the bonds of friendship! The two have stressed over the years that they've built a solid foundation for their relationship based on mutual support and understanding. Zara told The Telegraph in 2011 about the sweet way their relationship began. "He understands the pressures and vice versa, which obviously helps, but it actually started from becoming very good friends." Mike also affirmed Zara's statement and even jokingly offered up another secret to their happy marriage. He shared with The Times in 2021, "She's always been my best friend — that doesn't change. I don't know if I've got any top tips. She's always right, is that a top tip?"

Zara and Mike Tindall are the perfect example of what makes a marriage truly work, and their bond is full of signs they're in a healthy relationship. While this couple is obviously part of the royal family, without titles, they're free of some of the pressures of royal life. Still, Mike also expressed to The Times in 2021 that being associated with the royal family at all sometimes has its cons. Even so, these two lean on their rock-solid foundation of friendship and remain down-to-earth. "[Being part of the royal family] has its benefits and it has its negatives," Mike explained to The Times in 2021. "You think about what you do and you have to be aware of, but it doesn't necessarily dictate. Zara and I have always been good at getting on with what's right for us."

Mike also mentioned to the Daily Mail in 2011 that a certain Prince of Wales was actually the one who inspired him to propose to Zara. "I had been thinking about it for ages, waiting to ask, but then my brother got engaged, and so did a certain Duke of Cambridge," he said. "I thought I'd better get on with it." He later mentioned that it's sometimes odd being around the royal family without being a working member, but the couple prefers it that way. "I'm on the edge of that world," he added. "You might call it bizarre, but you see the extreme side of it at something like William's wedding. If you spend time with them in a social setting, they're the nicest people around."