Zara Phillips Shows Off Her Fuller Figure As She Prepares To Defend European Title

Equestrian Zara Phillips ditched her jodphurs for a less than flattering outfit as she walked the course of the European Equestrian Championship.

Usually impeccably dressed in a fitted riding costume, Zara looked out of sorts in a white vest and ill-fitting cargo-style shorts which hinted at a fuller figure than usual for the world champion sportswoman.

A fuller figure? Zara Phillips ditches the jodphurs for a white vest and ill-fitting cargo-style shorts

Dressing down: Zara walks the course of the European Equestrian Championship

Clearly Zara has more important things on her mind than fashion, as next week she begins her defence of the European Eventing Championship she won two years ago, before going on to take the World title last year.

The 25-year-old royal, who is engaged to rugby player boyfriend Mike Tindall, 28, said there was no extra pressure on her, going as the defending champion.

She said: "It's just more exciting".

Glamorous from the top up: Zara's regal style sits effortlessly with that of a world champion sportswoman

The granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth will be competing in the Evening dressage on at the Pratoni Del Vivaro in southern Rome.

Zara and her winning horse Toytown have been putting the final touches to their preparation before flying to Rome, at Blenheim, where she won her European gold in 2005.

Last year Zara followed her mother, the Princess Royal, on the roll of honour as BBC Sports Personality of the Year.