Mike and Zara Tindall’s secret home in Australia as royal ‘hates’ hotels

Mike and Zara Tindall's romance began in Australia in 2003, so it's no surprise the country holds a special place in their hearts.

When they're in the UK, they live on Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, owned by Zara's mother, Princess Anne, with their three children after selling their £1.69million Cheltenham property in 2013.

But the royal couple spend a lot of time Down Under, and even have their own secret home there.

Speaking about where the Tindalls stay when they're in Queensland, Shelly Horton told nine.com.au, "Zara hates hotels."

She added: "Who on earth hates hotels?" she said. "I guess she'd spend a lot of time in them, but they're one of my favourite parts of holidays.


"Not for Zara. She told us that when she's in Queensland, she and Mike hire a house for them and the kids."

The couple are so fond of the Commonwealth country, they've even considered relocating to Australia permanently.

Speaking to Australian Women's Weekly in 2019, 41 year old Zara, who is an equestrian, said "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."

The pair first met during the Australian Rugby World Cup in 2003 when 44 year old Mike was playing for England and Zara was on a gap year.


After rugby player Mike was dropped from the squad shortly before the semi-final, he ventured out to a local pub with two of his mates, Martin Corry and Austin Healy, and quickly bumped into his wife-to-be.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2011 about their first meeting, he explained: “Austin gave me her number and said, 'She wants you to text her, to say where you're all going out after the final so she can come along.”

Following their initial encounter, the pair began talking and their relationship went from strength to strength.

Despite their different backgrounds, Zara and Mike hit it off and became an official item in April 2004, with Zara even introducing the sportsman to her mother, the Princess Royal.

“Zara’s mum is a legend and her father is lovely too,” Mike once said in an interview. “My mates in Wakefield are forever asking how I fit in among the Royal Family but they are really down to earth.”

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