The tabloids tore Zara Phillips apart when the canary yellow dress she wore to Royal Ascot last week appeared to give her a “mum tum” but she says she is proud to be “normal” (and certainly isn’t pregnant).
Zara told the UK’s Sunday Times she had no idea of the controversy as she does not read the papers, but said she was happy to be perceived as more “normal” than other members of her famous family.
“I’ve been very lucky,” Zara told the newspaper. “My parents didn’t give us titles, so we’ve (herself and her brother Peter Phillips) been able to have a slightly more ‘normal’ upbringing.”
“As soon as you’ve got a title it’s very difficult to shed it,” she added.
“My brother and I have been very lucky like that, being able to find our own way.”
Zara – who is Princess Anne’s only daughter – even went so far as to say she didn’t really consider herself royal.
“But they are my family, so I obviously kind of am,” she conceded.
Zara made headlines when the Paul Costelloe dress she donned to the race meet appeared, under the watchful lens of the paparazzi, to hug her midsection and at times make it appear rounder than usual.
“Zara is not pregnant – her plans remain the same in terms of preparation for Rio 2016,” a spokesperson said.
The 34-year-old Olympic equestrian silver medallist, who has a one-year-old daughter, Mia with her husband of four years, Mike Tindall, is focused on trying to secure a spot in Team GB for the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Zara was joined last week by so many members of her royal family including the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, Zara Phillips, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
We guess they don’t call it ‘Royal Ascot’ for nothing.
Watch our interview with Zara Phillips here.
Zara Phillips and the yellow dress that sent tongues wagging.
Looking in high spirits, the Queen and husband, Prince Philip, arrived in their usual dapper style (decked out and in a horse-drawn carriage, of course).
Sticking with her favourite hat style (the ‘Derby’, FYI), Her Majesty chose a beautiful shade of pink for her ensemble, which included a coat, floral dress and a ruby brooch set that belonged to Queen Victoria.
Her favourite red-headed grandson (okay, her only red-headed grandson) also put on his best to see the show. In a blend of blues, the new Uncle flashed a few cheeky smiles at the crowd.
Princess Beatrice was also in attendance on the day. Wearing a midi blue skirt with black, blue and orange dots by Roksanda, the Princess styled her hair with a black fascinator and accessories.
Prince Charles and wife, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, also stopped by. Charles went with a smart grey and blue tux-with-tails and a black top hat, whereas Camilla chose a mint green ensemble with white gloves.
After a quick visit to Sweden for the royal wedding of Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, the Countess made her way back to her homeland. Even though her last public appearance included a beautiful ballgown and a pretty impressive tiara, Sophie still holds her own here, wearing a cream dress with matching accessories.
Looking like they stepped out of an incredibly styled 1950s movie, Anne the Princess Royal and Camilla’s ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, made they way over the green. Anne was styled in a chic mustard coat with a feathered hat with an upturned brim.
Embracing a little spring sun, Zara Phillips selected this yellow dress with matching grey and yellow hat.
After appearing on the balcony of the Trooping of Colour sans her chic eyepatch, which she was donning post eye surgery, Princess Michael of Kent has apparently decided that she likes the look! The Princess was seen wearing a black and white outfit, including a large feathered hat and her favourite black velvet eyepatch.
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