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
Anxious wait for pastor prosecuted for preaching outside hospital
Anxious wait for pastor prosecuted for preaching outside hospital

A retired pastor who was prosecuted after preaching a sermon outside a hospital in Northern Ireland faces an anxious wait to find out the verdict in his case. 

Why Raye is right to choose a Bible app over Instagram
Why Raye is right to choose a Bible app over Instagram

In a world obsessed with being seen, heard and validated online, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Raye has made a refreshingly countercultural decision: stepping away from social media and leaning into Scripture instead.

Over 10,000 sign petition in support of church fighting outreach ban
Over 10,000 sign petition in support of church fighting outreach ban

The church has the support of Reform leader Nigel Farage.

Christian private school blames Labour's VAT raid as it weighs up closure
Christian private school blames Labour's VAT raid as it weighs up closure

Labour's policy has been described as "ideological vandalism".