Why the laid-back Tindalls are a royal dream team
Forget private hospitals, Zara's so down-to-earth she gave birth to her son on the bathroom floor
If ever there was an example of how to live a “normal” life, despite being born into the royal family, it’s Zara Tindall, writes Kerry for the Sunday Telegraph.
This week, Zara’s husband Mike revealed – via his rugby podcast, no less – that Zara had given birth to their first son and third child at home, in the bathroom, last Sunday. The former England player hailed his wife a “warrior” then said he took baby Lucas Philip downstairs and watched a match.
Mike explained they didn’t have time to make it to hospital. “It was running to the gym, get a mat, get into the bathroom, towels down, brace, brace, brace,” he said. “Fortunately, the midwife that was going to meet us at the hospital wasn’t that far away so she drove up … just as we’d assumed the position.”
Of Zara, he said, “She was a warrior, as always … she was back up, we went for a walk this morning with him.” Speaking of the births of Mia and Lena, he said, “First one was in Gloucestershire Royal (public hospital) … second one was in Stroud in a local birth clinic, and this one we didn’t even make it there.”
“Can we all agree all royal baby arrivals should be announced by Mike Tindall?” one wag commented. We can: Oh, how we adore this pair. They’re the ultimate no-nonsense couple, who just get on with it, even if Granny is the Queen. From their private wedding in Edinburgh in 2011, to their honeymoon in a generic beach resort in Cyprus, Zara and Mike keep it real. If only Harry and Meghan could have navigated their way to a Tindall-type life. Zara does not have a royal title or funding and has always had to earn her living. Lucas, like sisters Mia and Lena, will also be title-free.
We’re sure Anne, as the second child of the Queen, like Harry, also felt some annoyance she didn’t get the same treatment as her older brother and that, even worse, before the primogeniture laws were changed in 2013, plummeted down the order of succession, because she is female. She’s not known to mince her words, after all.
Many forget Peter was the Queen’s first grandchild and did not get a royal title. Traditionally, titles were given only through male heirs, but it is thought the Queen offered one. Anne later told Vanity Fair, “I think most people would argue that there are downsides to having titles.” Unlike Andrew, Edward also declined titles for his children.
Zara would agree she’s had more freedom and Mia, Lena and now Lucas will too. Yes, they will have to, gasp, work for a living, but they get to hang out at the palace without any of the palaver. Nobody was shocked the pair announced the birth unconventionally, or said anything much at all. It’s unlikely Harry and Meghan’s baby’s birth will be as low-key.
It’s a shame the argument over Archie’s title was one of the things to flip them over the edge, when Harry’s cousins are living embodiments of the “normal life” they craved. If only it hadn’t all become so bitter; instead of being half a world away in California, they could be booking in playdates instead.
Other royal babies and their dramatic arrival
Prince Philip was born on a kitchen table: On June 10, 1921, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark landed on a kitchen table in Mon Repos villa, Corfu. By 1922, they were exiled from Greece, with Philip, at one point, travelling in a wooden fruit crate.
The Queen was delivered by C-section: Born at 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, by caesarean section on April 21, 1926, she was the first monarch since the Middle Ages to be born at a private address.
Prince Charles was a C-section too: Elizabeth was in labour for 30 hours, before having Charles by caesarean on November 14, 1948, in Buckingham Palace. When asked what Charles looked like, Philip replied: “A plum pudding.”
Prince William broke the royal rule book: On June 21, 1982, Diana ditched tradition by choosing to deliver an heir in hospital (the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s, Paddington). Charles was there and Andrew Morton claimed the Queen quipped, “Thank goodness he hasn’t got ears like his father.”
The Queen Mum’s birthplace is a mystery: Born on August 4, 1900, it’s a royal riddle where. Her dad was fined for registering her birth late (well, she was the ninth of ten kids), he declared Hertfordshire but she and her passport stated London. Why did no one ask her mum?
The best royal gardens to visit this Easter
Hampton Court Palace: While the palace is shut, the grounds are open for pre-booked tickets, including the wonderful kids’ Magic Garden, visit here.
Sandringham: The Royal Park of the Queen’s Norfolk estate spreads over 600 acres, with cycling trails and a brand-new adventure playground. The formal gardens reopen on April 12 and the house on May 29, see here.
Kensington Gardens: The palace remains closed, but you can still wander around Kensington Gardens and the Diana Memorial Playground, here.
Windsor Castle: The castle is closed but Windsor Great Park is open, including the Long Walk, woodland trails and deer park, visit here.
The Queen’s favourite Easter treats
Pink Marc de Champagne Chocolate Truffles, Charbonnel et Walker, £22.50. These are the Queen’s favourite chocolates, said ex-royal chef Darren McGrady.
Chocolate biscuit cake, (royal recipe here) is HM’s favourite afternoon tea cake. Prince William has a taste for it too, he served it up at his wedding.
Bendicks Bittermints, £5. Another chocolate choice of the Queen.
Gewurztraminer wine, £8.75, Morrisons. This light, sweet German grape is Her Majesty’s tipple of choice with Easter Sunday roast lamb lunch.