Almost exactly three months after the extravagant, frenzied wedding of the previously unknown Kate Middleton to Prince William, another royal wedding is in the works, as Zara Phillips, 30, cousin to Princes William and Henry, is getting ready to walk down the aisle with her beau of eight years, Rugby athlete Mike Tindall, 32, in a relatively down-to-earth ceremony on Saturday.

While the last royal wedding had fans and wannabes scoping out Westminster Abbey for months, this lower-key version will be held at the Cannongate Kirk of Scotland, followed by a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which serves as Queen Elizabeth's official residence when she visits Scotland.

Phillips has been preparing for her big day by hitting the gym to get in tiptop shape. Apparently the statuesque equestrian and former Eventing World Champion has been working out "like a demon," a friend told UK's Daily Mail. "Zara is a very confident girl but she is incredibly nervous as she knows all eyes will be upon her." Part of Phillips workout routine involves the everyday horseback riding she's used to, but she "has been jogging and swimming as well," the source says. "Although she is a world champion sportswoman and has a fabulous figure, like most brides to be Zara has been throwing herself into a health and fitness regime and has actively been trying to lose weight."

The increasingly svelte royal – daughter of Princess Anne, 60, and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, 62 – 13th in line to the throne of England, will walk down the aisle on Saturday, July 30. The newlywed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be in attendance.

Leave a comment

Read more about: