British equestrian Laura Collett has had the rare privilege of crossing paths with Princess Anne and her daughter Zara Tindall numerous times over the years. Their shared involvement in the equestrian world has fostered genuine connections, highlighted by a particularly unforgettable moment in 2022 when Princess Anne personally presented Laura with her MBE.
“It felt surreal,” recalls Laura, 36, reflecting on that encounter with the royal Olympian. “Princess Anne began chatting with me like an old friend. It was special because we share something truly unique.”
Laura also spoke warmly about Zara Tindall, with whom she has teamed up and competed alongside at various equestrian events. “Zara is incredibly down-to-earth,” Laura says. “You almost forget she’s a royal because she’s just so lovely and approachable.”
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Zara, married to former rugby star Mike Tindall and a mother of three, recently opened up about the everyday joys and challenges of family life. “Every day brings a new dilemma or problem,” she shared candidly. “It’s amazing and makes me see myself differently. The kids reflect bits of both me and Mike – some traits you love, others not so much, but there’s never a dull moment.”
She emphasized the importance of instilling strong values in their children. “We try to pass on the lessons we’ve learned from our careers — hard work, dedication, motivation, respect,” Zara explained. “It can be easy to lose sight of these things, so we make it a priority to nurture these qualities every day.”
Princess Anne herself remains a beloved figure in the UK, recently ranking third in a 2026 survey measuring royal popularity. Known for her practical “no-fuss” approach to royal duties, sharp wit, and dry sense of humor, Anne is widely admired by the public.
At 75, she is celebrated as one of the most hard-working royals, regularly carrying out hundreds of official engagements each year both in the UK and abroad. Beyond her duties, Princess Anne is also regarded as one of King Charles III’s closest and most trusted advisors.
A royal aide noted Anne’s unique role, recalling her as “the King’s Gold Stick-in-Waiting” during his coronation and highlighting her affectionate greeting, “Hello, old bean,” to the newly crowned monarch. Though Camilla is the King’s beloved spouse, Anne is known as his most reliable confidante — offering honest counsel and keeping him grounded through life’s challenges.
Laura Collett’s reflections offer a rare and intimate perspective on two remarkable women, showcasing their kindness, dedication, and warmth behind the public royal image.