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Zara Phillips and English rugby star tie the knot

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall were all smiles as they left the palace where their lavish wedding reception was held.

The newlyweds left the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon in a chauffeur-driven silver Mercedes.

Instead of heading off on honeymoon, though, the sporting couple are postponing their break and preparing for a return to training this week.

Former equestrian world champion Phillips (30) will be competing in the Gatcombe Park horse trials later this week and England rugby star Tindall (32) is likely to feature in a match against Wales next Saturday.

The couple tied the knot at a private ceremony on Saturday in front of their families and friends at Canongate Kirk in the Scottish capital. Large crowds of well-wishers turned out on the streets to cheer and wave flags.

The pair went on to celebrate their wedding with the queen and members of the royal family at Holyroodhouse, the monarch’s official residence in Scotland.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among the congregation.

Tindall and Phillips were spotted at the palace early yesterday, while other members of the royal family, including Prince Harry, the Duke of York and Phillip’s mother the Princess Royal were seen leaving the palace ahead of the newly married couple’s departure.

Crowds of more than 6,000 people were treated on Saturday to the spectacle of seeing senior members of the monarchy and leading figures from the world of sport.

All eyes though were on the bride, who wore an ivory silk gown by Stewart Parvin, the favourite designer of her grandmother, the queen.

The well-wishers lining the famous Royal Mile gave an enormous cheer as she arrived to reveal the ivory silk faille and silk duchess satin gown by the British designer.

There had been speculation that Tindall might don a kilt, but he and his best man, fellow England player Iain Balshaw, opted for traditional morning dress. The royal bride will remain Zara Phillips to preserve her sporting name.

Wedding guests included famous names from the world of rugby such as England’s coach Martin Johnson, his predecessor Clive Woodward and Scotland’s coach Andy Robinson.

Tindall also invited Lawrence Dallaglio and Jonny Wilkinson – former teammates who, like the groom, were part of England’s World Cup-winning squad of 2003.

Zara Phillips ties the knot with Mike Tindall. | The American Press

The same boat Prince Charles and Princess Diana honeymooned on after their wedding.

According to the reports, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a pre-wedding party. Kate wore a mid-length green dress as she walked up the red-carpeted steps with William behind her.

The party emerged to be mostly for the younger guests, with no symbol of Zara’s grandparents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh or of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Phillips told that “I’m nervous, excited but very happy.” She also admitted she had been texting Mike that very morning as he celebrated with his rugby pals including Lewis, Iain and Ben Foden.

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