While many of the most well-known royals are referred to as Duke, Duchess and his or her royal highness, some have chosen to forego royal titles. Princess Anne did just that for her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, and Zara certainly isn’t looking back. The pregnant mother of one opened up about the decision back in 2015, and what she said might surprise you.

MORE: The most adorable photos of Mia Tindall

Though Zara and Peter were not given royal titles by default, Queen Elizabeth extended the offer to her daughter Anne as an honourable courtesy. However, Anne declined, as did her former husband, Captain Mark Phillips, who was offered a title as a wedding gift from Her Majesty. They seem like they’d be spectacular gifts, but it turns out Anne’s decision was the right one for her family.

Zara opened up about it in an interview with The Times three years ago, saying: “I’m very lucky that both my parents decided not to use the title and we grew up and did all the things that gave us the opportunity to do.” Things like becoming a professional equestrian and medalist in the 2012 London Olympics as a valued member of the Eventing Team of Britain.

And though the gift of royalty is one many would believe to be the ultimate present, Zara and her mother aren’t the only ones who see the other side. “It was a masterstroke of the Princess Royal when she decided not to give her children titles,” Dickie Arbiter, a former Buckingham Palace press secretary, said previously. “Growing up as a commoner allowed Zara to thrive as her own woman, and there has never been pressure on her to conform. She has benefited from it in all sorts of ways.”

When Zara isn’t on horseback or attending royal weddings, like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day on May 19, she’s busy being a doting mom to her little one, Mia Tindall, who she shares with professional rugby player Mike Tindall. The adorable four-year-old is often seen running about in the grass at various horse events, playing with her first cousins, Isla and Savannah Phillips. Their family is set to grow in the coming weeks as Zara prepares to give birth to their second child.