Zara and Mike Tindall are rumoured to be considering a move to Australia, following in the footsteps of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from the UK. The couple, who first met in Sydney during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, have always had a fondness for the country, referring to it as a “home from home for us” in an interview with HELLO! magazine.
Their recent visit to Australia has sparked speculation that they may be planning to relocate permanently, with betting odds at 8/13 in favour of the move. James Leyfield, an oddsmaker at Casinos.com, commented on the rumours, saying: “During their latest Australian trip, Zara admitted the couple ‘couldn’t ask for a better way to start the year.’ The pair’s connection to Australia is deeply rooted.”
He added: “They first met in Sydney in 2003-introduced by Zara’s cousin, Prince Harry – while Mike was playing rugby for England during the World Cup and Zara was on a gap year.”
Leyfield also noted the significance of their history in Australia, stating: “Despite a low point for Mike, having just been dropped ahead of the semi-final, the pair hit it off, with their relationship blossoming over a ‘boozy lunch.’ Mike went on to regain his place in the starting line-up for England’s iconic World Cup final victory against Australia. Their story almost reads like a fairy tale-what better way to begin a new chapter than by returning to where it all started?,” reports Gloucestershire Live.
Zara, 43, and Mike Tindall, 46, have increasingly fallen under the royal limelight in recent years, gaining even more popularity as a result. Royal experts suggest that the couple might be gearing up to support senior royals like Prince William.
Commentator Jennie Bond described Zara and Mike as enjoying “the very best of both worlds” stating: “Although they don’t have titles, they obviously have the cachet of being so much part of the extended Royal Family. They have managed to use that commercially without getting into too much bother.
“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. Not to an official working role, nor do I think the public would want to fund any more working royals.”
Bond remarked on how enamoured the pair appeared during their Australian trip, noting that it’s obvious they’re still head over heels for each other, reports the Mirror. She said: “Zara really is a remarkably beautiful woman, no wonder Mike always looks so proud and happy. 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.”
Amidst rumours that the couple may relocate to Australia, there is growing curiosity about the future of their Gatcombe Park residence following Princess Anne’s passing. Ingrid Stewart, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, confidently expressed her opinion on the matter, stating: “I think it’s absolutely no doubt that Zara and Peter [Philips] will keep Gatcombe going, the last thing in the world they’d want to do is to have to sell it and they won’t.”