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."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Thousands expected as ‘Jesus March’ returns to London for Pentecost
Thousands expected as ‘Jesus March’ returns to London for Pentecost

Thousands of Christians from across the UK are set to gather in central London this Pentecost weekend for a large-scale public event celebrating the Christian faith.

US churchgoers report stronger faith and renewed commitment five years after Covid pandemic
US churchgoers report stronger faith and renewed commitment five years after Covid pandemic

A major new survey of over 24,000 Christian churchgoers in the US suggests many believe their faith and congregational life have strengthened in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Israeli troops investigated after damage to solar panels in Christian village in Lebanon
Israeli troops investigated after damage to solar panels in Christian village in Lebanon

Israeli soldiers are under investigation after footage appeared to show military equipment being used to wreck solar panels in a Christian village in southern Lebanon.

Outcry over assault on nun in Jerusalem
Outcry over assault on nun in Jerusalem

A man has been arrested in connection with a violent assault on a French nun in East Jerusalem.