Zara Tindall has shared that the key to a successful marriage lies in acknowledging that not everything goes according to plan.

Princess Anne’s daughter, 44, and her husband, Mike Tindall, attended a ‘date night’ at the annual Beauty Awards in London last night, where they divulged some of their relationship insights on the red carpet.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, former rugby star Mike admitted that such a glamorous event wouldn’t usually be their pick for a romantic evening.

“We are very low key,” Mike, 47, explained. “This wouldn’t be our ideal date night.”

He added that their perfect night involves nothing more than “food, telly, and a glass of vino.”

During the outing, Zara also discussed their Christmas plans, confirming that she, Mike, and their three children will celebrate the holiday with King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the rest of the Royal Family at Sandringham.

‘We are so lucky, Christmas is always amazing,’ Zara said. ‘We get to do a lot of fun things, and the place looks amazing. We will see everyone.’ 

The mother-of-three also confirmed she and Mike will attend the Princess of Wales’s annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5. 

When they’re not posing on red carpets, Zara and Mike Tindall would rather be cosying up in front of the TV with a ‘glass of vino’, the former England rugby player has said 

Mike Tindall wrapped his arm around Zara’s waist as the pair looked typically joyful to be in each other’s company

The couple, who have been married for 14 years, lovingly looked into each other’s eyes as Mike wrapped his arm around Zara’s waist. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Zara said their secret for a happy marriage is to accept that ‘nothing runs smoothly ever’ but that ‘you’ve got to have fun’ regardless. 

‘We’ve been together for 21 years,’ Zara said. ‘Nothing runs smoothly ever. You’ve got to accept that in life. It’s a work-in-progress [but] you’ve got to have fun.’ 

Meanwhile, Mike quipped he had accepted Zara is ‘always right’ while reflecting on their long-term relationship that began with a chance meeting in Australia during the 2003 Rugby World Cup. 

He added that ‘kids are the biggest challenge that ever come your way’ during a marriage, explaining: ‘Having three of them, everyone is doing different things.’ 

Zara and Mike share two daughters, Mia Grace, 11, and Lena Elizabeth, seven, and a son, Lucas Philip, four, together. 

Over two decades – and three children – later, Zara and Mike are as besotted with each other as before and find different ways to spend time together. 

Ace equestrian and former Olympian Zara said they ‘definitely’ bond over sports and also have a shared love of dancing. 

Asked whether they would sign up for Strictly Come Dancing, however, and Mike protectively replied: ‘Just say we can’t do the Strictly curse, we are not going on it. 

‘We are not taking the risk. We are very happy.’  

Zara then admitted that even watching a TV show together can be a struggle, let alone taking part in one, because of their busy work schedules.

So, while Princess Anne’s daughter is catching up on Netflix’s hit series The Diplomat, Mike is ‘semi’ rooting for broadcaster Ruby Wax to be crowned Queen of the Jungle on this year’s edition of I’m A Celeb.

Royal watchers love her sensible style and no-nonsense attitude, but Zara proved she scrubs up well as she arrived for the Beauty Awards at City Central at the HAC in London on Monday 

Royal watchers love her sensible style and no-nonsense attitude, but Zara proved she can also do red carpet glam as she arrived for the Beauty Awards at City Central at the HAC in London on Monday.  

Her outfit was a pearl-encrusted Rebecca Vallance dress that she paired with black pointed heels, a silver clutch bag and stylish pearl drop earrings for a night out with her husband. 

Mike, 47, also dressed up for the occasion in a navy double-breasted blazer adorned with red and gold buttons. 

Zara was glowing as the royal opted for a fresh-faced, dewy makeup look for last night’s event. 

Asked her secret for a flawless complexion, Zara replied that she’s a big fan of LED masks and has incorporated them into her beauty routine. 

‘We were at a dinner the other night and all the ladies got given a red light mask. 

‘It’s the only goody bag I’ve ever taken home,’ Zara continued, adding: ‘I fall asleep in my facials.’ 

Until last night’s Beauty Awards, that is. 

After the star-studded occasion had finished, Mike was snapped beaming as he carried two Beauty Award goody bags with his glamorous wife following him closely behind. 

The Beauty Awards, hosted by former Spice Girl Mel B, saw some of the biggest names in showbusiness, such as Princess Andre, Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Tina Stinnes, in attendance. 

The former Spice Girl’s daughter, 26-year-old Phoenix, was also in attendance, wearing a chic black suit and tie. 

Like last year, Zara, Mike, and their three children will join King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the rest of the Royal Family for its annual Christmas celebrations at Sandringham in Norfolk. The couple are seen here at Christmas Day service on December 25, 2023, with their younger daughter Lena Elizabeth 

Mike quipped he had accepted Zara is ‘always right’ while reflecting on their long-term relationship that began with a chance meeting in Australia during the 2003 Rugby World Cup

Kerry Katona, Olivia Hawkins, Drag Queen Black Peppa, and a whole host of influencers such as Demi Jones, Holly Boon, and Megan Bolton were also snapped on the red carpet. 

The event shines a light on products that bring something ‘unique, groundbreaking or innovative to the market’. 

This outing for the Tindalls comes after Zara was seen wrapping up warmly at Cheltenham Racecourse.

She was photographed presenting jockey James King with a bottle of Moët Champagne after his victory in the Debenhams Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase on November 15.

The presentation came on ‘Super Saturday’, day two of the three-day meeting, which went ahead despite earlier fears heavy rain might force officials to call it off.

Despite the inclement weather from Storm Claudia, Zara, an Olympic and World Champion equestrian, turned out to show her support for the event, though she was visibly strained as she fought the wind and rain. 

Zara won a silver medal in eventing at the 2012 London Olympics and is frequently seen at horse-racing meets.