Discover the story behind Zara Tindall’s jaw‑dropping expression during Bishop Michael Curry’s sermon at Harry and Meghan’s 2018 royal wedding, including Zara’s own explanation, expert commentary and the social‑media posts that turned the moment into a meme.
Zara Tindall’s Reaction at Harry & Meghan’s Wedding: The Story Behind the Meme
St George’s Chapel, Windsor — 19 May 2018.
As Bishop Michael Curry delivered his 14‑minute, gospel‑infused address on the “power of love,” TV cameras panned the chapel and landed on a visibly stunned Zara Tindall. Eight‑plus months pregnant, the Queen’s granddaughter widened her eyes and let her jaw fall — a split‑second reaction that instantly went viral. People.com
Watch the Moment
Embedded video: YouTube — “Zara Tindall’s Reaction at Harry & Meghan’s Wedding” YouTube
Why Zara Looked So Uncomfortable
Royal biographer Robert Lacey recounts in Battle of Brothers that “most comment was reserved for the unconcealed jaw‑drop of Princess Anne’s daughter Zara.” The News International
Speaking later to The Telegraph, Zara clarified the face‑pulling had nothing to do with Bishop Curry’s style but with late‑pregnancy discomfort:
“My bum sort of slid over either side and Lena kicked the hell out of me for an hour.” The News International
Husband Mike Tindall was spotted gently rubbing her bump in real time — another clue she was coping with a decidedly un‑glamorous pregnancy twinge in full public view.
The Internet Reacts
The sermon — hailed by many, bewildering to others — sent social media into overdrive, and Zara’s expression became every Brit’s emoji IRL:
“Zara Phillips is like ‘omg’ — the Queen doesn’t understand what’s going on… This man is amaze.” — @BelTrew Refinery29
“I’m thinking that Zara Phillips is a little taken aback by this address.” — @jmojames PopCulture.com
“I AM LIVING FOR THIS. ZARA PHILLIPS’ ATTITUDE!” — @BrenChurchill PopCulture.com
Within minutes, GIFs and screenshots peppered Twitter, TikTok and Reddit threads, cementing her reaction as the royal wedding’s breakout meme.
Bishop Curry Knew He’d Made a Splash
In interviews with Good Morning Britain and Today, Bishop Curry later admitted he was “a little bit nervous” and wondered, “I hope that was okay,” after taking his seat — all while viral clips of Zara’s jaw‑drop circulated worldwide. People.com
A Moment That Still Resonates
More than seven years on, Zara’s fleeting grimace retains pop‑culture currency. A 2025 News International feature revisited the clip, noting how it remains “the most iconic reaction shot of them all.” The News International The episode also illustrates the generational — and trans‑Atlantic — contrasts on display that day: a dynamic American sermon in a 14th‑century English chapel, and a royal cousin caught between decorum and a vigorous baby kick.
Key Takeaways for Royal Watchers & PR Pros
| Lesson | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Unscripted moments travel fastest | One facial expression eclipsed hours of polished ceremony. |
| Authenticity wins online | Zara’s candid discomfort resonated amid stiff formality. |
| Context completes the story | Her later pregnancy explanation humanized the viral clip and softened criticism. |
