Zara and Mike Tindall will not attend Wimbledon this year for a key reason, as details about the couple's whereabouts have emerged.
The Tindalls made an unexpected appearance at Wednesday night's State of Origin rugby league decider in Sydney, where they watched Queensland secure a 24-12 victory over New South Wales.
The royal couple attended as guests of Nicole Slater, wife of Queensland coach Billy Slater, and were photographed wearing the Maroons' colours at Accor Stadium.
Their presence at the match surprised local spectators, as the pair chose to support Queensland's series-clinching win rather than attend Wimbledon, where Zara's brother Peter Phillips was spotted in the royal box alongside Queen Camilla.
Zara and Mike Tindall to skip Wimbledon for key reason as details emerge.
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The couple secured prime seats directly on the field, where they were filmed standing alongside Nicole Slater and cheering enthusiastically for the Maroons.
Mike was spotted recording video footage of both the crowd and the match on his phone during the game.
They braved the winter conditions in Sydney, bundling up in jackets and beanies as temperatures dropped to eight degrees Celsius by the end of play at Homebush.
The State of Origin series is an annual best-of-three rugby league competition between the New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons, with Wednesday's result giving Queensland the series victory.
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall secured prime seats directly on the field.
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The Tindalls have established strong connections with Australia through their involvement with the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast, where Zara serves as a longstanding ambassador for the racing event.
The couple's friendship with the Slaters developed through this annual January tradition, which Zara described to Hello! as "a home from home for us."
Their Australian visit will continue for at least another week, with Mike scheduled to record a live episode of his podcast, The Good Bad and the Rugby, in Brisbane on July 17.
Despite their regular visits and extensive friendships in Sydney, Mike confirmed to Hello! last year that they have no plans to relocate permanently, citing the distance from their extended family.
Zara and Mike Tindall enjoy spending time away in Australia.InstagramLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall were spotted at Wimbledon in 2024.
PAThe couple reside at Aston Farm on Princess Anne's Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire with their three children - Mia, born in 2014, Lena in 2018, and Lucas in 2021.
Their daughters are already following in their parents' sporting footsteps, with both Mia and Lena participating in their local rugby teams.
Mike, who was part of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, met Zara during that tournament in Sydney before marrying in 2011.
The pair were last seen publicly with the Royal Family at Royal Ascot last month, where they participated in the royal carriage procession on the opening day.