TWENTY YEARS AFTER THEY FIRST MET ZARA AND MIKE TINDALL ENJOY A ROMANTIC RETURN TO AUSTRALIA ON A RARE COUPLE'S TRIP

'Mike and I both love the vibe and personality of Australia. It is a second home to us'

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

Back where their love story began more than 20 years ago, Zara and Mike Tindall look closer than ever as they cuddle up in the Australian sunshine, making the most of a working trip far from the British winter.

Zara, 42, and Mike, 45, left children Mia, ten this week, Lena, five, and two-year-old Lucas at home in Gloucestershire to fly to Queensland for the Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, the equestrian festival of which the King’s niece has been ambassador for 12 years.

In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Zara says her annual visit to the carnival each year has made Australia feel like a “second home”, as well as giving her and Mike, who appeared in the 2022 series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, a chance to escape the UK winters.

As well as competing, playing in polo and galloping down the long, sandy beach at Surfers Paradise, Zara also enjoyed some much-needed couple time with her husband, including lunch dates and ocean dips.

“Mike and I both love the vibe and personality of Australia,” she tells us. “It really suits us with the outdoor lifestyle and everything that comes with it. What’s not to love about being here?

“It feels busy, but being by the beach and in the middle of summer is also relaxing, especially coming from the depths of our winter right now back home.

“We’ve always had a love for Australia and look forward to coming here. It is a second home to us, but we wouldn’t move here as it’s too far from family. But we will continue to get down as much as we can and enjoy it while we are here.