Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips decided against giving their kids titles shortly after Peter’s birth in 1977.
When Zara came along in 1981, she too was born without a royal title.
Today, Tindall is a world champion equestrian, and Peter has found success as a business executive.
From living as neighbors to sharing many common interests, this sibling dream team gives us major warm fuzzies.
The pair grew up on a sprawling Gloucestershire estate known as Gatcombe Park.
Given their proximity to the equestrian world, it’s no surprise that the siblings are natural-born riders.
“I was on a pony before I could really remember,” Phillips toldABC Newsin 2014.
Tindall eventually took her riding skills to the Olympics, earning a silver medal in 2012.
While the siblings bonded over equestrian sports, they also found common ground in performing chores around the estate.
In addition to their pond-wading adventures, the siblings spent ample time exploring the lush grounds of Gatcombe Park.
In 2018, Phillips opened up about his adorably plucky relationship with Tindall.
“Most little sisters are annoying, and Zara was no exception,” Phillips quipped toThe Sunday Times.
“She tried to boss me around and tell me what to do.”
Despite some intermittent bickering, there doesn’t seem to be any ill will between these royal siblings.
In fact, Tindall is quite transparent about her admiration for her brother.
“Pete is someone who I’ve looked up to all my life,” the royal said.
He’ll be there no matter what I need."
Although the letters were never published, their existence confirmed the scandalous romance.
Finally, after a tumultuous marriage, Mark Phillips andPrincess Anne announced their separationin 1989.
The pair confirmed their divorce three years later, and Princess Anne went on to marry Laurence.
When their parents split, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips were 8 and 11 years old.
“I don’t remember it as a painful time.
And I had Pete,” Tindall recalled.
Queen Elizabeth famously adored horseback riding and many other royals have followed in her stirrups.
A few have even become decorated equestrian athletes.
Zara Tindall’s parents, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, both had Olympic riding careers.
King Charles III was an ace on the polo field until he retired from the sport.
That said, it’s no surprise that Tindall herself has become a world-class equestrian.
“We’re very lucky to have them in our lives.
Being able to do it every day is incredible, and it’s such an amazing sport.”
In 2012, Tindall proved she’s the real deal, earning a silver medal at the Olympics.
Her brother’s support has been a constant throughout the ups and downs of Tindall’s riding career.
“What she achieved at the age she did was remarkable.”
During the siblings' teenage years, Phillips was serious about shielding his sister from creeps and playboys.
It was the complete opposite."
In 2004, Zara began dating former rugby star Mike Tindall.
While some brothers might’ve been star-struck over the famous athlete, Phillips had much greater concerns for Zara.
Before the pair made it official, Mike had to earn Phillips' trust.
“He wanted the best for me.”
Evidently, Mike passed muster, andhe and Zara tied the knot in 2011.
Funny enough, Phillips was there when Zara and Mike first met.
As Mike recalled on an episode of “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”
(viaPeople), they all struck up a conversation at a pub during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Sparks flew between Zara and Mike, so they decided to meet up again.
“First actual date, just went out for lunch locally.
And ended up being quite a boozy one,” Mike shared.
While mourning her pregnancy loss, Tindall was also impacted by the lack of privacy.
Thankfully, Tindall soon realized that she wasn’t alone.
“It was a time when my family came to the fore and I needed them.”
This time, however, she was able to grieve privately.
But being a non-working royal comes with its share of challenges.
They both attended Exeter University and pursued sports-related studies.
Some observers even believe that Phillips was her favorite grandson.
In 2016, Phillips praised his grandmother’s hardworking and charitable nature.
“She has been an inspirational person throughout my life.”
Queen Elizabeth was also an essential fixture in Zara Tindall’s life.
To some royal watchers, the pair seemed like kindred spirits.
To the world, Queen Elizabeth’s death in 2022 was a historic moment.
But for her family members, it was much more raw and personal.
Based on their proximity, the siblings seem to have built a genuine friendship and mutual support system.
The estate is home to several other residents, including Princess Anne and her ex-husband, Captain Mark Phillips.
In 2018, Phillips revealed that his two daughters have a special bond with Tindall’s three kids.
“Zara and I live 200 yards apart,” he said in The Sunday Times.
“It’s very difficult to keep my daughters and her elder daughter apart.
At weekends it’s always, ‘What’s Mia doing?'”
And the children aren’t the only ones who benefit from the living arrangement.
According to Tindall and Phillips, Princess Anne is a doting grandmother who loves spending time with the kids.
But when it comes to fashion, the siblings are perfectly in step with their more famous family members.
Their stylish moments go way back to childhood, as does their ability to complement each other’s looks.
As adults, they continue to flaunt their exquisite sibling style.
In 2019, the pair stunned at the Royal Ascot.
Tindall looked regal in a printed metallic gown with long puff sleeves.
She topped off the look with silver pumps and a matching clutch.
In an equally chic moment, Phillips sported a luxe suit jacket and a black bowtie.
Tindall and Phillips have claimed their place amongst the best-dressed royals thanks to their synergistic fashion sense.
