Mark Phillips is a legend of the British equestrian sport

There are two idols of English sports preferences - football and horses. Not surprisingly, equestrian sport is so in demand in the UK. Equestrian competitions without the participation of English athletes - this is nonsense.

Brilliant officer

To say that the inhabitants of the foggy Albion love horses is to say nothing. As for India, the cow, so for England the horse is a symbolic symbol. Awesome attitude towards these animals is a feature of the British national character.

Mark Phillips was born into a military family in September 1948. After graduating from the military academy, he was appointed to the court dragoon regiment as a second lieutenant in 1969. A magnificent sportsman-horseman, the pride of the British equestrian sport. In 1972, the Olympic champion in triathlon. He served well, and marrying a noble person played an important role, by 1974 he was the captain and personal adjutant of Queen Elizabeth II. Just a star career.

Thanks to his passion for equestrian triathlon, Mark met with Princess Anna, a maiden of royal blood.

Successful acquaintance

Anna loves horses, she is a wonderful rider, participant of all competitions. Her hobby was a contest, and she got on very well in it, often coming out victorious. In 1972 she entered the contenders for the right to participate in the Olympic Games. Acquaintance was held in 1971 in one of the estates, where the annual Badminton competitions were held. The winner was Phillips, and Anna was the fifth (later these competitions Mark Phillips won twice more). Talks about their relationship spread, the royal family denied these rumors in every possible way. Below all dignity for members of the royal dynasties to be the object of any gossip. Dragoon was not a slip, acted aggressively, did not pull, and in May 1973 Mark and Anna got engaged. The royal family reacted mockingly and negatively to this union. Prince Charles, absolutely not knowing Mark, called him a "muddy type," said that it is difficult to think anything more stupid than this marriage.

Career

Elizabeth generally expressed herself that she would not be surprised if their children were with hoofs. But at the same time she recognized that the young add each other perfectly. Mark Phillips and the Princess of Great Britain were married in November 1973 under the arches of Westminster Abbey. The queen granted the young manor. The proposed title Phillips did not accept in principle.

But in the service he moved inexorably. Phillips appointed to the Royal Academy as an instructor, later to serve in the Ministry of Defense. Before that, he won a convincing victory at the Badminton competitions, but to combine service and sports became increasingly difficult, and in March 1978, Mark Phillips left the army. Now all the time was given to equestrian sport and participation in competitions.

Phillips was not particularly faithful, everything got away with it, until in 1984 he had a child (daughter Felicity) on the side. In 1991, the mother of the child established paternity by DNA.

Official Marriages

In 1988, the Seoul Olympics brought silver to the UK coin box. It was won by Mark Phillips. Statistics of the athlete-horseman on it ended. After that, in competitions in the status of an athlete, he no longer performed. Ahead of the coaching work.

In 1992, Phillips, as a gentleman, divorced the queen's daughter after finding out that he was betraying his wife and having a child on his side. And they, like well-bred people, have maintained good relations.

Joint children Peter and Zara.

In 1997, Mark made a second marriage with Sandy Pfluger. Sandy is a wonderful sportswoman, winner of equestrian sports. There is a joint child, the girl Stephanie. The marriage lasted 15 years, and all would be nothing, but the notorious "demon in the ribs" confused all the cards, here all are equal: both beggars and monarchs. Mark Phillips, once a husband of a royal person, divorces his second wife. Divorce was held in May 2012. Well, he could not resist!

Bes in the rib

And he went to a young American woman, a gap at the age of 30.

Phillips began to meet with her before the divorce with his second wife. Lauren Houg is an eminent sportswoman, member of the US team, winner of the Pan American Games, participant of the Olympic Games. Mark coached the US team, met at the training camp. Lauren is the same age as Phillips' daughter from her first marriage - Zara. They did not hide from anyone. Acquaintance with the parents of Lauren took place, a common language was found quickly (almost the same age).

He is in good shape, an unquestionable connoisseur and authoritative figure in the British equestrian sport.

He was awarded the Knight's Order.

The UK triathlon team won silver medals at the London Olympics. The team includes Zara Phillips, the daughter of the legendary Mark Phillips and granddaughter of the English queen. The dynasty continues.