Lauren Hough, who is 28 years younger than Capt Phillips, declined to comment on details of their affair but said she knew it would draw attention. She also refused to discuss calls in the equestrian world for the Princess Royal's former husband to resign as trainer of the US eventing team. Speaking in a break between rides at a show jumping competition in San Diego, Miss Hough was asked if she was surprised by the furore that followed The Telegraph's disclosure of the relationship. She said: "Not really, I guess I knew it was coming." Asked if it had been a big decision to confirm it publicly, she said: "It was inevitable." Capt Phillips was not present to watch her ride and she said he was "at home in England." Asked if she had the full support of her US team, Miss Hough said: "Yes."
