The couple travelled abroad with members of their close family

Mike and Zara Tindall have made a short getaway to Austria for a family ski trip ahead of Christmas at Sandringham with King Charles.

The former England rugby star shared a video from the trip, which saw him and Zara enjoying a little holiday.

The couple were joined by their children, Zara’s brother Peter Phillips and his fiancée, Harriet Sperling and his daughters.

The family stayed at Chalet 47 and spent much of their time on the slopes, decked out in their full ski gear.

Mike and Zara Tindall joined ‘a lot of mates’ during their ski trip | INSTAGRAM / MIKE_TINDALL12

Summarising the trip, Mike said: “Great family ski trip with a lot of mates, lots of laughs, and lots of memories.”

The Tindalls often join the royal family at Sandringham for Christmas, with preparations under threat from union bosses over fuel supply.

Some 400 tanker drivers at Certas Energy, a supplier to the estate, are expected to walk out over the festive period.

The Unite union claimed King Charles and Queen Camilla will face a “cold Christmas” because of the strikes.

Mike was seen partying during the ski trip

 | INSTAGRAM / MIKE_TINDALL12

Drivers plan on walking out for 15 days between December 22 and January 25 in a dispute over pay.

Charles and Camilla are expected to have departed for Sandringham and will be joined for Christmas by over 40 other members of the Royal Family.

Prince William and Princess Kate will stay at Anmer Hall, which is located on the estate.

As well as the disruption of supplies to Sandringham, the strike will also impact schools, military establishments, Royal Mail refuelling areas and hundreds of petrol stations, the union claimed.

The couple are set to join other family members in Sandringham for Christmas | INSTAGRAM / MIKE_TINDALL12

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Certas drivers don’t expect to be treated like royalty, but they do expect a fair pay rise from their employer.”

The union said energy supplier Certas had proposed a two per cent pay increase.

The strike could be avoided if the group were to make an offer “acceptable to members”, the union stated.

A Certas Energy spokesman told GB News: “Contrary to some inaccurate press reports, Certas Energy confirms that drivers have been offered a generous, above-inflation pay and conditions offer.

The Royal Estate Sandringham is located in Norfolk | PA

“The offer was made in recognition of the important role our fuel delivery drivers play in delivering to our customers across the country.

“Certas Energy remain engaged with Unite to achieve a swift resolution. Customers should be reassured that in the event of industrial strike action, Certas Energy has steps in place to mitigate impact and to minimise any potential disruption to customers.”

A shortage of fuel at Sandringham could be resolved by a biomass boiler installed by the late Prince Phillip.

The boiler is powered by woodchips from trees on the grand estate.

The King also commissioned a solar farm for the estate, which is believed to have been completed in the summer, though its 2,000 panels will require winter sunshine to function.