British Royal family couple shock guests of Billy Slater’s wife at Origin

British Royal couple Zara and Mike Tindall were special guests of Billy Slater’s wife Nicole at the State of Origin series decider in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Zara, daughter of Princess Anne, was spotted with husband Mike in the front row of Accor Stadium decked out in their Queensland merchandise to support the Maroons.

Zara, who won a silver medal for Great Britain in equestrian at the 2012 London Olympics, has a relationship with Nicole Slater through their mutual love of horses.

Tindall won 75 Test rugby caps for England and was a member of the 2003 World Cup winning team at the former Olympic stadium. The couple is in town for the British and Irish Lions Tour against the Wallabies.

Earlier this year the British Royal couple attended the Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast – a festival of thoroughbred yearling auctions, racing and events held each January. Zara is a long-standing ambassador for the event, having held the position since 2012.

Zara and Mike Tindall take in the action at Accor Stadium.

Mike showcased his singing talents at the event, taking to the stage in a black velvet suit alongside Nicole Slater, an equine artist. The pair performed a rendition of Shallow from the 2018 film A Star Is Born.

Stars out in force at Accor

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese headed up the long list of politicians in attendance on Wednesday night. There was no shortage of star power at the game with AFL legend Buddy Franklin, Olympic gold medallists Jess and Noemie Fox, UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski and boxer Jai Opetaia all spotted. Also in attendance was former AFL chief executive turned Tabcorp boss, Gillon McLachlan.

Englishman’s flying visit

We bumped into arguably the most dedicated fan at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night. Forgive us for not getting his name, but one Englishman from Bradford said he travelled to Australia on the day of the game to watch the State of Origin decider. He was booked on a flight back to England the next day. Incredible.

Suite nothings for Solly

After leading a public campaign to convince Venues NSW to let South Sydney out of its existing contract with Accor Stadium to play home matches at Allianz Stadium, Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly was surprisingly invited into their corporate suite on Wednesday night.

We’re reliably informed Solly hasn’t given up the fight on behalf of the Bunnies. This isn’t the last we’ve heard of it.

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