Now the granddaughter of the British Queen is back at the Soers, to compete in the eventing for the first time at the CHIO Aachen. First of all in the dressage and jumping competitions on Friday - and then in the spectacular cross-country competition, the DHL Prize, on Saturday.

Question: Miss Phillips, what is it like returning to Aachen after your triumph last year?

Zara Phillips: It is a great feeling. The CHIO is a super event, the atmosphere and the spectators are wonderful. Which is why we eventers are delighted to be able to compete at the CHIO after the FEI World Equestrian Games.

Question: There was a lot of praise for the footing of the cross-country course in Aachen after the FEI World Equestrian Games. Is this a further reason why you travelled to the Soers with your gold medallist horse, Toy Town?

Zara Phillips: Of course, the footing in Aachen is excellent, in spite of the current rainfall, that we are used to of course from Great Britain. But I have a close partnership with Toy Town. We both help each other. He is simply a phenomenon and has saved me in many competitions already.

Question: After your performance last year many people see you as being favourite to win the individual title as well as the team title with the British squad?

Zara Phillips: It is a completely new competition, one shouldn't base this on the results of the World Championships.

Question: Does the withdrawal of Bettina Hoy, whose horse Ringwood Cockatoo has sustained a slight injury, make everything easier for you?

Zara Phillips: No, absolutely not. The field of competitors is so strong and there are a number of riders and horses who could ride to victory. It is definitely going to be exciting.