26 OCTOBER 2004, Hello Magazine
http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2004/10/26/queenhonours/#enviar
While Zara Phillips is no stranger to Buckingham Palace, Tuesday's trip to her grandmother's home was a particularly memorable one for her.
On this occasion, the Queen's granddaughter was on the arm of her boyfriend, England rugby player Mike Tindall, as he received an MBE along with the entire World Cup-winning squad. The couple, who have been dating since last winter, arrived hand-in-hand at the ceremony, Mike dressed in tails and Zara sporting a cream-coloured skirt and towering high heels.
After the ceremony, the player, who helped the team win the World Cup nearly one year ago, expressed his excitement, saying: "It's always nice to be invited to have a chance to meet the Queen."
England captain Jonny Wilkinson, who was honoured with an MBE last December, brought his girlfriend Diana Stewart to the ceremony, where he received an Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Though the occasion marked his third time at the Palace, the rugby hero, currently injured, admitted the experience was still a thrill. "This is the third time I've been here and it doesn't get any less intimidating – but in a nice way," he said. "It is not something you get used to."