England legend Mike Tindall's ex-girlfriend turned up at his wedding

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Mike Tindall swapped rugby pitches for palace grounds in 2011 when he married Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne, at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.

The former England centre officially became part of the royal family, but his love life journey is just as fascinating as his career on the field.

A Chance Encounter Down Under

Mike and Zara's love story began with an accidental meeting in Sydney. Fast-forward to today, and they're proud parents to Mia, Lena, and Lucas. Mike's candid moments on I'm a Celebrity have offered fans a rare glimpse into his family life, but it's left us curious about what came before Zara.

Pre-Royal Days: Jessica Palmer Takes Centre Stage

Before tying the knot with Zara, Mike's last serious relationship was with Jessica Palmer. The pair met in 2001 while Mike was playing for Bath, and Jessica was studying law and management at Leeds University, close to Mike's family home in West Yorkshire.

Their romance lasted about a year, but they remained on good terms. Jessica even attended Mike and Zara's pre-wedding bash aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia—a classy nod to their amicable history.

The New Zealand Reunion That Made Headlines

Months after Mike's royal wedding, headlines swirled when he and Jessica were spotted catching up at a bar in New Zealand. However, Jessica's grandmother, Joan Turton, put the rumors to rest, calling the encounter "totally innocent."

Happily Ever After

While Mike's rugby days were full of hard tackles and thrilling victories, his journey to royal life has been a story of serendipity, enduring friendships, and finding his match in Zara. Now, the Tindall’s continue to charm fans as one of the most relatable branches of the royal family.

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Here's a look at the top rugby couples whose bonds—and bank accounts—have made them iconic.

Johnny & Laura Sexton – The Dublin Dream Team (£6m)

From teenage sweethearts to one of rugby's wealthiest pairs, Johnny and Laura Sexton have captured fans' hearts as much as Johnny's kicks have clinched games. Their love story began at Rathgar Tennis Club, blossoming all the way to marriage in 2013.

With three kids cheering on dad from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is on it. The couple's journey—from Saint Mary's College to University College Dublin—stands as a testament to commitment and love. 

Siya & Rachel Kolisi – The Power Couple with a Purpose (£10m)

Siya and Rachel Kolisi's £10 million empire wasn't just built on rugby; it's infused with purpose. The Kolisis are widely admired for their philanthropic work, especially through the Kolisi Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities.

Although the couple recently parted ways, Rachel remains a key influence in Siya's life. Now back with the Sharks after a stint in France, Siya continues to value her steadfast support. Despite the split, their legacy as South Africa's "golden couple" lives on. 

Mike & Zara Tindall – Royal Connections and Reality TV (£20m)

"Fridge" by nickname, royalty by association, Mike Tindall's wealth and fame go beyond rugby. Married to Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, Tindall has firmly planted himself in British pop culture. From breaking his nose eight times to breaking records in rugby, Mike's career has been nothing short of resilient.

Since retirement, he's taken his profile to new heights with appearances on shows like I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. His estimated £20 million fortune proves rugby and royalty make quite the combo. 

Jonny & Shelley Wilkinson – A Hero's Quiet Empire (£22m)

Jonny Wilkinson isn't just a legend on the field; he's a legend in love too. After leading England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson has kept a low profile with his wife, Shelley Jenkins.

They wed in 2013 on the scenic French Riviera, and now with a young son, they're embracing family life in the quiet lane. Worth £22 million, Jonny's legacy as one of rugby's finest is matched by his financial success and family's privacy. 

Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – The Ring, the Romance, and the Riches (£20m)

Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwi powerhouse, is famed not just for rugby but for his ventures into the boxing ring. Known for his versatility on the field and knockout power off it, he's carved a unique sports career.

His whirlwind romance with Alana Raffie, culminating in a four-week engagement, sparked as much intrigue as his sporting accomplishments. Now worth £20 million, the couple's success story includes rugby, league, boxing, and plenty of endorsements. 

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