Mark Phillips Spotted with New Flame at Burghley Horse Trials

In an exciting turn of events at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Captain Mark Phillips, 73, was seen enjoying the company of his rumored new girlfriend, Belgian equestrian Florence Standart.

The couple was spotted cheering passionately for Phillips' daughter, Zara Tindall, as she competed in this prestigious equestrian event.

Phillips, who recently celebrated his 74th birthday, arrived at the trials driving a Range Rover alongside Standart, who is reportedly close in age to his daughter, 41-year-old Zara.

The two have been making appearances together throughout the week, even taking time to stroll around the venue with a couple of dogs in tow, showcasing a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

This year's Burghley Horse Trials marked a significant return after a two-year hiatus prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event spans four days, running from Thursday to Sunday, and has drawn considerable attention from fans and participants alike.

Phillips and Standart appeared inseparable as they supported Zara during her competition, reflecting a newfound companionship that has piqued public interest.

Sources at the event confirmed that Standart is indeed Phillips' new girlfriend, adding an intriguing layer to the former Olympic gold medalist's personal life.

Standart previously had a long-term relationship with Thomas Riekewert, who managed the Waragem Horse Trials in Belgium before his untimely passing in 2019.

Just a year after his death, Phillips contributed to the equestrian community by designing a cross-country course at Waragem, which is now operated by Standart.

Mark Phillips and Princess Anne, Zara's mother, divorced in 1992 after nearly two decades of marriage.

Their wedding in 1973 was a grand affair, witnessed by millions around the world.

The couple welcomed two children, Peter and Zara, during their marriage.

However, their union faced challenges, including rumors of infidelity that ultimately led to their separation.

Princess Anne's alleged affair with her bodyguard, Sergeant Peter Cross, became a topic of scandal during their marriage.

The situation escalated to a point where Phillips reportedly confronted Cross about his closeness to Anne.

This turbulent period in their lives culminated in their divorce, which occurred shortly after Anne began a relationship with Commander Tim Lawrence.

After parting ways with Princess Anne, Phillips married American dressage rider Sandy Pfluger in 1997, but their relationship also ended in separation by 2012.

With a fortune estimated at £20 million, Phillips has remained a prominent figure in the equestrian world and has had other romantic interests, including a brief involvement with American showjumper Lauren Hough.

As the trials progressed, Zara Tindall showcased her remarkable skills, finishing the opening day with an impressive score of 28.4.

Her performance highlighted her potential as a top competitor, and she seemed at ease as she navigated the cross-country course, even sharing moments with her dog.

Reflecting on her performance, Zara expressed satisfaction, noting that while her horse showed some nervousness, he ultimately performed well.

With the leaderboard likely to shift in the coming days, she remained optimistic about her chances in the competition.

The Burghley Horse Trials boasts a record prize fund exceeding £320,000, the largest in its 61-year history.

This substantial amount underscores the event's importance in the equestrian calendar and the commitment of its organizers to maintain its esteemed status.

Event director Martin Johnson emphasized the dedication required to develop a five-star horse, stating that the increased prize money is a testament to their mission.

The competition continues to draw elite riders and horses, ensuring that the Land Rover Burghley remains a pinnacle event in the sport of equestrianism.