When people search for “Felicity Tonkin”, they’re often curious about her quiet connection to the British royal family. Unlike her half-siblings, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, who are well-known public figures, Felicity leads a private life in New Zealand, working as an equine veterinarian.
Her story stands as a reminder that not everyone tied to fame seeks the spotlight. This article covers her background, career, family, and royal connection, presenting only verified public information and respectful context.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Parentage
Felicity Tonkin was born in New Zealand in 1985 to Heather Tonkin, a New Zealand art teacher. Her father is Captain Mark Phillips, the former Olympic gold-medalist equestrian who was once married to Princess Anne, the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
In 1991, it became publicly confirmed—through a DNA test—that Mark Phillips was indeed Felicity’s biological father. This test and its confirmation were covered widely by the British and New Zealand press at the time, marking one of the more discreet but notable moments in royal-adjacent news.
A Private Upbringing
Felicity grew up in New Zealand, raised by her mother, far from Britain’s royal environment. She was not part of royal family events, nor has she ever held a royal title. Her childhood and early adult years were spent entirely outside the UK’s media sphere.
While the circumstances of her birth brought some public attention, her family made conscious efforts to protect her privacy. Today, she remains a private citizen, not a public figure, despite ongoing curiosity about her heritage.
Education and Career Path
Academic and Professional Training
From what’s publicly available, Felicity pursued her studies in veterinary science in New Zealand, a field aligned with her lifelong passion for horses—something she shares with her father, Captain Mark Phillips, and half-sister, Zara Tindall, who is an accomplished equestrian.
She earned her veterinary qualifications and became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (BVSc), focusing on equine health and care.
Career as an Equine Veterinarian
Today, Felicity works professionally as an equine veterinarian in the Auckland region. Her role involves diagnosing, treating, and maintaining the health of horses—ranging from racehorses and eventing competitors to farm horses and leisure animals.
Her expertise includes:
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Lameness and performance assessments
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Reproductive management in mares
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Foal health and neonatal care
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Preventive medicine and nutrition guidance
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On-farm equine treatment and consultation
Local listings and professional directories identify her as Dr. Felicity Wade (BVSc), her married name. She is known among clients and colleagues for her professional skill, modesty, and dedication to animal welfare—qualities that have defined her veterinary career more than her family connections ever have.
Marriage and Family Life
From Tonkin to Wade
In 2015, Felicity married Tristan “Tricky” Wade, a New Zealand polo player. Following her marriage, she began using the surname Wade professionally and personally.
Their wedding took place in Karaka, a semi-rural area south of Auckland known for its strong equestrian community. Media coverage at the time described the event as intimate, family-centered, and intentionally low-profile—reflecting the couple’s preference for privacy.
Parenthood
In 2017, Felicity and Tristan welcomed a son in Auckland. Reports at the time referred to the birth simply and respectfully, emphasizing that both mother and baby were healthy. Since then, there has been no public information or photographs, consistent with Felicity’s ongoing effort to live privately and keep her family out of public view.
Relationship to Britain’s Royal Family
Half-Siblings: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall
Through her father, Felicity is the half-sister of Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall (née Phillips), the children of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.
However, there’s no public evidence of regular contact or family engagement between Felicity and her British half-siblings. Most reports describe the relationship as distant, though neither side has ever publicly commented on it.
It’s clear that Felicity’s life trajectory has been independent, with her professional and personal worlds firmly rooted in New Zealand.
No Royal Title or Status
Felicity does not hold any royal title, nor does she appear in the line of succession to the British throne.
Under UK royal succession rules—based on legitimate descent from Princess Sophia of Hanover—only legitimate children born within marriage are eligible. Since Felicity was born outside Captain Phillips’ marriage to Princess Anne, she is not included in the succession or any formal royal registry.
While her biological link is undeniable, her legal and royal status remains that of a private New Zealander.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Minimal Media Presence
Unlike most royal connections that attract continuous attention, Felicity Tonkin (Wade) remains almost entirely absent from public life. She has no verified social media presence, does not give interviews, and avoids the publicity that often follows individuals linked to royalty.
Her rare appearances in the press are typically limited to factual coverage—such as her marriage in 2015 or the birth of her son in 2017—without speculation or commentary.
Search Interest and Online Confusion
Search trends show periodic spikes in interest around “Felicity Tonkin,” usually when media outlets revisit Mark Phillips’ life story or when online readers confuse her with Phoebe Tonkin, the Australian actress known for The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.
It’s important to clarify: Felicity Tonkin (Wade) and Phoebe Tonkin are entirely unrelated.
Personality and Public Image
Though Felicity rarely appears publicly, the limited information from professional circles suggests a grounded, professional, and kind personality. Colleagues describe her as someone who prioritizes patient care, maintains a strong work ethic, and prefers to let her work speak for itself.
Her continued success as a practicing equine veterinarian—despite potential tabloid interest—shows her ability to maintain personal boundaries and professional focus.
Why Felicity’s Story Matters
While many people linked to the British royal family live in the public eye, Felicity Tonkin’s life is refreshingly ordinary. She represents a side of royal-related history that’s quiet, independent, and authentic—someone who built her own career and family without relying on fame.
Her story also demonstrates how individuals connected by lineage can lead entirely separate lives, defined by profession, values, and community, not celebrity.
Common Questions About Felicity Tonkin
1. Who is Felicity Tonkin?
She is a New Zealand equine veterinarian, known publicly as the daughter of Captain Mark Phillips and Heather Tonkin. Her connection to Britain’s royal family comes through her father, who was once married to Princess Anne.
2. Does she use the name Felicity Wade?
Yes. After marrying Tristan Wade in 2015, she took her husband’s surname and is now professionally and personally known as Felicity Wade.
3. Is she part of the royal family?
No. Felicity has no royal title or position, nor is she listed in the line of succession to the British throne. She lives as a private citizen in New Zealand.
4. What does she do for a living?
She is a qualified equine veterinarian practicing in the Auckland area. Her work focuses on horse health, lameness, and reproduction, providing veterinary services to stables and farms.
5. Is she close to Zara Tindall or Peter Phillips?
There’s no public record or statement confirming any close relationship. Media references over the years have noted limited contact, but neither side has ever discussed it publicly.
The Broader Context: Modern Royal Connections
The British royal family’s extended branches often include individuals who lead private lives far from the limelight. Felicity Tonkin is one of them—a reminder that not all royal connections are royal lives.
While some of her biological relatives have become public figures, Felicity has chosen a career rooted in service, science, and community contribution rather than public attention.
Her story adds depth to how we understand royal lineage in the modern era, showing that dignity and fulfillment can exist quietly, beyond palaces and press coverage.
Conclusion
Felicity Tonkin (now Felicity Wade) may have a name linked to royal history, but her identity stands firmly apart. She’s a New Zealand veterinarian, a wife and mother, and a professional dedicated to animal care.
Her life demonstrates that family lineage doesn’t define personal worth or direction—individual choices do.
As of 2025, she continues to live privately in New Zealand, balancing her work with horses and her family life, proving that privacy and purpose can coexist peacefully, even in a world fascinated by royalty.
