Zara Phillips engaged

Zara Phillips. Photo / Amos Chapple

Zara Phillips has announced her engagement to rugby player Mike Tindall.

The 29-year-old equestrian - who is the daughter of Princess Anne and her first husband Captain Mark Phillips - has announced she is to tie the knot with the England rugby star after seven years of dating.

A statement on the British Monarchy's official twitter page said: "The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Zara Phillips to Mr. Mike Tindall."

The couple have made no secret of their plans to get married in the past, with Mike admitting the only thing standing in the way of their dream "white wedding" is Zara's eventing career.

He recently said: "I don't think it is about whether we will get married but when. 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."

- BANG! Showbiz