Zara Phillips is now among the favourites for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after winning gold at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips' second child was born at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, on 15 May, 1981. The name Zara comes from the Greek for "bright as the dawn".

Zara Phillips' sporting prowess is not limited to her equestrian achievements. Here she is playing for Cheltenham Ladies Hockey Club in 2000.

The young royal caught the headlines and the photographers' attentions with her stylish cropped hair and trendy tongue piercing which caused a stir.

A day at the races: a relaxed moment in the sunshine in the winning enclosure at Goodwood in 2004.

Christmas Day 2004: with cousins Prince Harry and Prince William at the Royal Family's traditional service at St Mary Magdalene church on the Sandringham estate.

Zara Phillips on a night out with her boyfriend - the Gloucester and England rugby player Mike Tindall.

Watching another winner home at the historic Goodwood racecourse on the Sussex Downs this year.

Serious looks with her mother after taking part in the dressage section of the three-day event at the World Equestrian Games.

Zara and her horse Toytown heading for glory in the individual three-day event at the World Equestrian Games. The young royal is now setting her sights on the 2008 Olympic Games.