Zara Tindall admitted she was in disbelief after winning BBC's Sports Personality of the Year, and wondered if it was "a joke".
Princess Anne's daughter was awarded the title in the past, which has seen sports stars like David Beckham and Emma Raducanu also win.
Zara, 42, recorded a video message for Tuesday night's awards.
She said: "To be given it by the public was an incredible thing.
Zara Tindall gives rare insight into winning Sports Personality of the Year
BBC
"Winning sport personality, I felt like - 'is this a joke?'"
Zara, a professional equestrian, received the honour in 2006 after winning the Eventing World Championship in Aachen, Germany.
The mother-of-three regularly competes in equestrian events and previously won a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games.
She donned a cosy black turtleneck in the video and tied her hair back into a neat updo.
Zara Tindall winning Sports Personality of the Year in 2006
PA
The King's niece kept her accessories minimal with simple earrings.
Zara showed her enthusiasm for the sport just this weekend, as she enjoyed a day out at the Cheltenham Racecourse.
She was also photographed smiling and holding onto a 25p chocolate bar at the event.
In an interview, Zara shared how her approach to competitive horse riding shifted after she had children.
Zara Tindall at the event in 2007
PA
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Zara Tindall also attended the event in 2010
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Zara and Mike Tindall have three children, Mia, nine, Lena, five, and son Lucas, two.
She told The Australian Women’s Weekly magazine: "I’m very part-time now. I’ve only got four horses so hopefully I have enough time to care for my children and still compete.
"I hope I make better decisions. I definitely don’t go to everything now."
Zara added: "When I had 15 horses I was everywhere and away every weekend but now I very much pick [events] around the kids and holidays and try to be around as much as I can be."