Zara and Mike Tindall make final UK appearance with royals before jetting abroad

Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 25/12/2025

- 11:51

Updated: 25/12/2025

- 11:52

The couple also attended Princess Kate's Christmas carol service

Zara and Mike Tindall attended the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham today, joining the Royal Family for the traditional walk to St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate.

They were photographed holding hands with their daughter Lena, seven, who also has two other siblings, Mia, 11, and Lucas, four.


The Tindalls' appearance comes ahead of a busy start to the new year for the couple, with Zara set to travel to Australia in January for the Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast.

The event has become a regular fixture for Zara, who is expected to take part in the polo component of the festival at Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach, on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

The wider Magic Millions Carnival runs across mid-January and blends racing, sales and social events, with the polo and showjumping day acting as one of the early headline moments.

This year’s polo line-up includes Argentine star Nacho Figueras, a close friend of Prince Harry, who is listed among the leading players for the event.

Zara is expected to play against Mr Figueras, adding an eye-catching subplot to a trip which already attracts significant attention because of its royal attendees and the Tindalls’ long-standing links to the equestrian world.

Zara and Mike Tindall make final UK appearance with royals before jetting abroad

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GETTY

The Magic Millions Australia visit has become a repeat engagement for Zara and Mike, combining the mother-of-three’s sporting commitments with a wider schedule of appearances around the carnival.

It is also one of the most internationally visible sporting events Zara takes part in across the year, and it places her alongside elite competitors within a setting that draws a mix of sporting figures, sponsors and celebrity guests.

Back in Norfolk, the Sandringham church walk offered a brief public moment before their next travel plans begin.

King Charles and Queen Camilla lead Royal Family contingent on Christmas Day as Andrew absent | PA

While Christmas Day at Sandringham is rooted in family tradition, the presence of Zara and Mike tends to underline how the gathering can include a broader mix of relatives beyond the most senior working royals.

The walk remains one of the few occasions in the year when those extended relatives are seen alongside the King in a setting that is both traditional and public-facing.

After the service at St Mary Magdalene, the Royal Family will return to Sandringham House to continue Christmas Day privately.

Edoardo and Beatrice attending church on Christmas Day | PA

The King’s Christmas broadcast later in the afternoon provides the other major public moment of the day.

Zara and Mike were joined by several family members today, including Princess Kate, Prince William, and their three children.

In addition, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie made a surprise appearance, despite the absence of their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson.