Mike Tindall and Princess Anne in birthday party battle

Mike Tindall is organising a birthday party for his mother-in-law, Princess Anne, despite the hard-working royal reluctance to celebrate the occasion.

The Princess Royal, who turns 75-years-old in August, it keen to have a lowkey birthday, with no big celebrations.

However, it is understood that Mr Tindall is determined to host a party for Her Royal Highness, despite her lack of enthusiasm for such a celebratory gathering.

Never seeking the spotlight, Princess Anne is instead keen to use the occasion of her milestone birthday to highlight the important work of the many charities and organisations that she supports.

However, HRH might have little say in the matter, with Mr Tindall planning a grand celebration in the ‘party barn’ at Gatcombe Park.

Zara and Mike Tindall live in the Gatcombe estate, which also acts as Princess Anne’s primary residence.

Representatives from over 100 charities supported by the princess gathered at Buckingham Palace earlier in the week for a reception to mark the Princess Royal’s 75th birthday.

Addressing the attendees, her private secretary, Colonel John Boyd, said he understood there had been “a significant amount of interest” in his the milestone birthday; which she will celebrate on August 15.

He said: “As you are aware, the princess has given decades of time and support to more than 400 charities and patronages.

“It probably won’t come as a surprise, given HRH’s commitment to you all, that the way the princess wants to celebrate this milestone is to replicate what she’s done on previous significant birthdays and hold this charities forum… to once again understand how she can help you, at a time when the third sector is facing unprecedented challenges and transformations.”

Princess Anne affirmed this, saying: “You very kindly asked me to become patron of your organisations, so it’s an honour for me to have all of you here.”