Affectionate: Zara Phillips and her fiancé, rugby player Mike Tindall, looked very much in love as they attended a steeplechase race in Gloucestershire today
They might be a royal couple set to wed in what is sure to be the second biggest royal wedding of 2011, but Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall are determined to act like any other newly-engaged pair.
The 29-year-old royal and her rugby player fiancé kissed and cuddled and appeared to be more in love than ever as they watched a steeplechase race in Gloucestershire.
But, in a move which may be met by disapproval by the rest of the royal family, Tindall took the pair's affection to the next level when he gave his wife-to-be's bottom a cheeky squeeze.
Hugs and kisses: The couple stuck close together throughout the day, and even wore matching outfits
Phillips and Tindall, who dressed similarly in blue jeans, jackets, hats and matching brown boots, announced their engagement last December and are expected to wed in July.
After announcing their engagement, Phillips said: ‘I was really shocked when Mike proposed but I am very happy’, while Tindall added: ‘I am delighted that Zara has agreed to marry me.
'We are both very excited about the next stage in our lives together.’
While a venue for the ceremony has yet to be officially announced, it is widely believed the couple will tie the knot in Canongate Kirk on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in Scotland.
As well as Phillips apparently being 'desperate' to become Mrs Tindall in Scotland, the pair were seen earlier this week in the grounds of the venue, before meeting church minister the Rev Neil Gardner.
They are then reported to have travelled to the nearby Palace of Holyrood House, where the reception is thought to be taking place.
The Queen worships at Canongate Kirk when she stays at the palace, making it the perfect setting for her granddaughter's marriage.
A spokesperson for Phillips confirmed the pair had been in Edinburgh but had just been 'checking options' by visiting a few different churches.
She later added that we can expect an announcement in the next two weeks.
Phillips and Tindall have been together for seven years after meeting through her cousin, Prince Harry, in a Sydney bar during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
It is thought they will marry on July 30th, just three months after Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding on April 29th.
Phillips and Tindall, 32, have also decided to turn down any offer from glossy magazines such as Hello!, a spokesman said - although they have agreed to coverage on past occasions.
The pair, who each earn six-figure salaries through their sports careers and lucrative sponsorship deals, are now expected to pay towards the event.
Wedding plans: The couple have just returned from Edinburgh, Scotland, where they were looking at venues
Race duties: Zara started the steeplechase race, as well as walking her dogs in between her duties
Zara’s parents, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, and the Queen will also contribute, while taxpayers will cover the considerable security costs.
A source insisted the decision was due to Zara’s ‘fierce determination to stand on her own two feet’.
She also wants to avoid following in the footsteps of her brother Peter, who is said to have angered the Queen by accepting £500,000 from Hello! in return for exclusive coverage of his wedding to Autumn Kelly in 2008.
Glowing: Bride-to-be Phillips, who is expected to wed on July 30th, looked radiant at the outdoor event
Tucking in: Phillips also sampled some of the local cuisine, opting for a bacon sandwich to stave hunger cravings
This afternoon Phillips and Tindall appeared excited about their impending nuptials, barely leaving each others' sides during the race day, which Phillips had been invited to start and later present the prizes.
Phillips also got stuck in to some of the local cuisine, trying a bacon sandwich in between her race duties.
Source:Dailymail
