Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties, other members of the family have taken centre stage.
The likes of Zara and Mike Tindall have become particularly well-liked due to their laid-back and approachable nature. Recently, the couple returned from a two-week trip to Australia to attend the Magic Millions Carnival.
They were in high spirits as they attended events on the Gold Coast, with Mike sharing a heartfelt message looking back on their time away. “Ahhh looking back on such a good week @magicmillions and @magicmillionspolo,” Mike wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a video montage of highlights from the event.
“It really is a special time with the #magicmillionsfamily. Already can’t wait for next year! ! !” Zara and Mike have been married since 2011 and have three children together, Mia, 11, Lena, six, and Lucas, three.
Mike has previously spoken about his effortless integration into the Royal Family, reports the Mirror. He said: “Believe it or not, marrying into the Royal Family was pretty easy for me.
“They were always nice to me, and I was always nice to them. Simple really,” he said in his book The Good, the Bad, and the Rugby: Unleashed, co-written with James Haskell and Alex Payne.
Tindall spoke warmly of the family’s bonds, describing them as “a very close family who loved each other dearly”. This comes as Meghan Markle previously shared her struggles with life inside the monarchy.
The Duchess of Sussex highlighted issues, including allegations of racism in the widely-viewed Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021 and continued to voice her concerns in the incendiary Netflix series alongside Prince Harry.
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Their commentary drew a stark contrast to Zara and Mike Tindall’s relationship with key members of the Royal Family including Princess Anne and the King Charles III.
Highly regarded for their lack of formal titles yet maintaining strong connections, Zara and Mike have notably risen in public esteem. In light of their increasing popularity, there’s a buzz that they might ramp up their public engagements on the request of Prince William.
Royal expert Jennie Bond pointed out the Tindalls’ enviable position within the Windsor circle, suggesting they enjoy “the very best of both worlds” with balanced commercial success and royal allure.
Although Zara and Mike are generally content with current duties, Bond asserts they’re prepared to “step up” should their involvement be sought by the monarchy, especially considering that they “don’t have titles, but obviously have the cachet of being so much part of the extended Royal Family.”
“They are both very close to William, and if he calls on them again (as he did at a garden party last year), they will definitely agree.” Further explaining that this support would not extend to official working roles, Ms Bond stated: “Not to an official working role, nor do I think the public would want to fund any more working royals.”
Zara and Mike reside on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire and appear to be “living life to the full”, always expressing affection for each other, according to the royal expert.
“Zara really is a remarkably beautiful woman, no wonder Mike always looks so proud and happy. But the feeling is mutual: she oozes love for her big bear of a rugby star husband, with his crooked nose and rugged appeal. I think we all enjoy seeing them out and about together, usually arm in arm or having a cuddle – living life to the full.”
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