Queen attends church for christening of granddaughter Zara Phillips' baby girl, Mia

 (Photo: Roli Seeger)

The Queen and other members of the royal family gathered at a church in Cherington, Gloucestershire on Sunday to celebrate the christening of her great granddaughter baby Mia Grace Tindall.

Mia was born on January 17 to former rugby star Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips, the Queen's granddaughter.

At the christening were Phillips' mother, Princess Anne, grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and her first cousin, Prince William. Iain Balshaw, a former rugby player and friend of Tindall's, also attended. The Daily Express reported that the vicar was "a little nervous" about conducting the ceremony in the presence of royalty.

Zara's father, Captain Mark Phillips, did not attend the ceremony, although there are reports of a family lunch taking place before the christening.

In addition to being a wife and new mum, Zara is also an Olympic-level horse rider, and returned to her equestrian training just five weeks after giving birth.

She recently competed in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, and helped secure Great Britain's 2016 Olympic qualification. Phillips earned a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, but hopes to win the goal in Rio de Janeiro. The 33-year-old will also continue to take Mia on the equestrian circuit with her.

"There's so many kids on the circuit, so many people who've had babies already," she told CNN.

"We're lucky because we can ride and go back and forth a bit, it fits in really well. It seems to have worked and hopefully it will keep going like that."

Phillips has also referred to herself as a "full-time mother," and said she cherishes spending time with her daughter.

"I've really enjoyed it," she said. "In a funny kind of way it's like having another type of high-performance horse on your hands.

"It's an incredible bond you have. I'm lucky, she's really good."

News
Iran’s unyielding cry: from economic collapse to the fall of the theocracy
Iran’s unyielding cry: from economic collapse to the fall of the theocracy

The revolt and ensuing violence in Iran should not surprise anyone who truly values fundamental civil rights. 

Catholic bishops push for two-state solution to restore peace to the Holy Land
Catholic bishops push for two-state solution to restore peace to the Holy Land

Praise was given to all those who work for peace, on both sides of the conflict.

Pakistan: Christian nurses acquitted of blasphemy
Pakistan: Christian nurses acquitted of blasphemy

A district court ruled that the prosecution failed to substantiate the charge.

Jordan in talks with evangelical leaders to boost pilgrimage ahead of Jesus baptism anniversary
Jordan in talks with evangelical leaders to boost pilgrimage ahead of Jesus baptism anniversary

Jordan has in recent months accelerated preparations at key Christian sites, including Bethany Beyond the Jordan.