Mike Tindall’s bold move at his royal wedding – the tradition he just couldn’t get behind

Mike Tindall’s marriage to Zara included many nods to the bride’s royal and Scottish connections including a church ceremony at Edinburg’s famed royal mile and an evening reception at the Palace of Holyrood, then Queen Elizabeth II’s official Scottish residence.

While the former English captain was happy to go along with most of these customs, there was one tradition he was not prepared to follow.

Tindall, 46 was chatting to Richard Eden at a charity event when he made the surprising admission, explaining that Zara and his future mother-in-law, Princess Anne wanted him to wear an item of clothing well known among Highland Scots.

What was the offending item of clothing?

The answer is a pair of trews, which are a type of traditional trousers that are trimmed with leather on the inner leg to prevent ware from horse-riding.

“We got married in Scotland and Zara was schooled in Scotland,” Tindall told Eden.

“Obviously, my mother-in-law is patron of Scottish rugby.

“They keep on that they need to get me a pair of trews. I am, like, ‘F*** off.”

Trews, like other items of highland dress, were prohibited for wear outside military service by King George II under the Dress Act of 1746, which came into effect after the defeated Highland uprisings failed to restore the Stuart Line back to the British throne.

Despite his wife’s persistence, Tindall refused to back down and joked about his enmity for men across the border.

“I have spent my whole life trying to kill a Scotsman. I don’t want to wear their trousers,” he joked.

Although Tindall refused to don the highland garb, his 2011 wedding to Zara went off without a hitch.

Although Tindall continues to keep a low fashion profile, Zara has become known for her unique sense of style and recently announced she is the new ambassador for luxury clothing brand, Fairfax & Favor.

Speaking to Hello! in her new role as brand ambassador, Tindall revealed her mother, Princess Anne had the greatest influence on her clothing choices.

“Mum taught me the importance of having good-quality clothing that keeps you warm and comfortable outdoors,” she told the publication.