Royals

Zara and Mike: Baby marks taming of royal rebels

She was the first member of the royal family to get a tongue piercing, he once participated in a drunken “dwarf-throwing” contest but Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall proved their rebellious days were over yesterday, announcing they were expecting their first child.

The baby news marks a momentous shift in the lives of Zara, 32, and Mike, 34, previously only out-partied by nightclub hound Prince Harry.

The couple have slowly given up their wild ways over the years, scaling back the partying and tying the knot in 2011. This baby seems the strongest signal yet that they have finally grown up.

Mike and Zara were the black sheep of the royal family for years.

The parents-to-be at Wimbledon on the weekend.

Despite being pregnant, Zara has continued to compete in eventing trials.

Zara with her niece Savannah earlier this year.

Mike and a newly-pregnant Zara at a service to celebrate the Queen’s coronation in June.

Zara was seen chatting to fellow mum-to-be Kate.

The couple knew they were expecting at this event in May but hadn’t told anyone.

A kiss for his pregnant wife: Zara and Mike in May.

Zara looking radiant in May.

Zara completing a dangerous move in May.

Zara would have been pregnant at the Badminton Horse Trials in May.

Zara with her mum in May.

Zara and Mike before they conceived in March.

The couple at Ascot in October 2012.

The pair have always been a tactile couple (seen here in June 2012).

The couple at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2012.

Zara cuddles up to her man in August 2011.

The couple on their wedding in July 2011.

Cuddling up shortly before their wedding in June 2011.

The couple at the wedding of William and Kate in April 2011.

Zara and Mike messing around in March 2011.

The couple announcing their engagement in December 2010.

The couple in August 2009.

Mike and Zara met in Sydney in 2003.

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