Together since 2003, The Telegraph reports that Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall are ready to ‘formalise’ their union…

“I don’t think it is about whether we will get married, but when,” says the England rugby player, who met the granddaughter of the Queen in 2003. “There is no doubt that I love Zara, but it has to be the right time.

“She is so busy competing and I am touring. We often don’t even manage to get away on holiday together. And, yes, it probably would be a white wedding, although sometimes I can see the attraction of sneaking away without telling anyone.”

A friend of the couple’s tells this week’s Hello! magazine;

“He is very good with the children and enjoys all the rough and tumble… Zara is brilliant with the children. She would come over for a coffee sometimes and play with the children. They adore her…”