By Sarah Bull


Jovial: Mike Tindall appeared the picture of calm as he arrived at Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk ahead of his wedding to Zara Phillips


His wedding is arguably the second biggest royal event of the year.

And yet Mike Tindall looked the picture of calm as he arrived at Canongate Kirk for his wedding to Zara Phillips later today.

The 32-year-old sportsman looked smart in a black jacket, grey pinstriped trousers, a grey waistcoat, white shirt and grey tie, teamed with an ivory buttonhole flower.

Smart: Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, wore a pretty jacquard coat, while Prince Harry looked dapper in his black suit and blue tie


Showing no signs of nerves, Tindall smiled and waved as he posed for photographers before making his way into the venue.

Zara's mother Princess Anne was among the first of the royal family members to arrive, and made her way in wearing a floral jacket, orange on-trend pleated skirt with her hair swept up in a chic up 'do.

Prince Charles looked dapper in his grey suit, while Camilla Parker-Bowles opted for a mint-green skirt suit and large headpiece.

True blue: Princess Beatrice opted for a bright blue suit and matching hat as she arrived at Canongate Kirk

Stylish sisters: Beatrice went for blue while her sister Eugenie opted for a cream and brown number

Pretty in peach: The Queen was the last of the royal family members to arrive


Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice went for a bright outfit in blue embellished skirt and
suit jacket, while her sister opted for a brown dress and cream jacket.

The bridesmaids wore ice blue dresses, the youngest of the party going for pretty tulle skirts, while the older bridesmaids kept it simple in their sheath dresses.

The Queen was the last member of the royal family to arrive before the bride, wearing a smart peach coloured outfit.

Smiles all round: The groom looked smart in his black tails jacket, which he teamed with grey pinstriped trousers and a matching waistcoat and tie


Other guests for the nuptials included Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly, who cut a stunning appearance in a blush coloured dress, orange hat and matching accessories.

Talking recently about how she knows Tindall, Kelly said: 'I went to school in Wakefield with Mike. Our parents live in the same village and we’ve stayed really good mates.'

What's so funny? Tindall shares a joke with his bridal party as he waits for his bride to arrive

Ready to rumble: Tindall and his bridal party make their way into the church


The Saturdays singer Una Healy, who knows the couple thanks to her partner, rugby player Ben Foden, donned a strapless black and turquoise dress, which she paired with a cream hat and sky-high heels.

Radio and TV presenter Natalie Pinkham wore a pretty red backless dress with a beige hat, while sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher opted for a colourful number with nude shoes.

Sports names including Tindall's teammate Ben Youngs, former rugby union coach Clive Woodward, former rugby player Austin Healey and England manager Martin Johnson were also among the guests, with racing driver Jackie Stewart and Irish jockey AP McCoy also putting in an appearance.

Stylish: Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly was among the first guests to arrive for Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall's wedding in Edinburgh today

Sophisticated: The Saturdays singer Una Healy wore a pretty black and turquoise strapless dress as she attended with her boyfriend, rugby player Ben Foden


The spectacle had a party atmosphere as the crowd waiting opposite the church cheered and clapped whenever a face they recognised walked into the 17th century church.

And when their view of the guest arriving was obscured by the coaches they jokingly shouted at the drivers to back up.

Crowds started to gather on Edinburgh's Royal Mile this morning in anticipation of this afternoon's nuptials.

Leggy ladies: Natalie Pinkham wore a backless red dress while Kirsty Gallacher opted for a colourful number with nude heels

Nice hat! Olympic Skeleton racer Amy Williams donned a pretty nude-coloured dress and matching hat as she arrived for the nuptials


Around 30 people had camped out overnight to ensure they had a front-row view of the event. Many had brought sleeping bags and deck chairs as they eagerly waited to see the bride and groom.

Police have placed barriers all along the street, and the bottom of the Royal Mile has been closed off to traffic.

Throughout the morning more spectators started to filter onto the pavements, hoping to catch a glimpse of members of the royal family as they arrive at the church.

Rugby faces: (Left to right) Clive Woodward, Ben Youngs and Martin Johnson make their way inside

Suited and booted: Andrew Parker-Bowles and racing driver Jackie Stewart look smart for the occasion

Arriving in style? A coach pulls up outside the venue carrying celebrity guests including Kelly (orange hat just seen)


Little information has been released ahead of the event which comes soon after the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in April.

The nearby Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch's official Scottish home, is the venue for the wedding reception and likely to stage the evening dinner where best man Iain Balshaw, Tindall's former Gloucester and England team mate, will give his speech.

Amongst the Kirk's distinctive pale blue pews, senior members of the royal family will be seated, including the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.

William and Kate are also expected amongst the royal guests along with Zara's brother Peter and wife Autumn and the Duke of York and his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

Taking pride of place at the kirk will be Zara's parents the Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips, with their spouses Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence and Sandy Pflueger, respectively, and Tindall's mother Linda and father Phil.

Ready and waiting: Crowds line the streets outside the venue waiting for a glimpse of the blushing bride

A beautiful day for a wedding: Locals wave flags as they watch and wait for Zara's arrival


Some of England's leading rugby names are also expected to attend with rumours that national coach Martin Johnson and his predecessor Sir Clive Woodward, who led the country's 2003 Rugby World Cup winning squad, will be sat in the pews.

The bride and groom will be married by the Reverend Neil Gardner in the 17th Century place of worship that is the official kirk of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Another couple who had planned to wed in the Royal Mile church today had to be persuaded to change venues to allow Mike and Zara to use the kirk

Getting ready: Last-minute preparations are made to Canongate Kirk ahead of the wedding

Decorations: A worker adjusts the beautiful floral display above the door at Canongate Kirk


Graphic designer Cherith Harrison and her lifeguard fiance Gregg Walter were asked by royal officials if they would move to another setting and agreed.

The event is a major boost for the Scottish capital already full with tourists who have travelled to the city for its world famous arts festival which starts in a few days.

But royal officials have stressed the nuptials are a low-key family affair for close relatives and friends of the couple.

Gearing up: Residents in Edinburgh are no doubt looking forward to the big day, with one women wishing the royal couple luck with a banner hung over her balcony




source:dailymail