She has often been described as the Royal Family's secret weapon, thanks to her down-to-earth nature and charm. As Zara Tindall turns 45 today, insiders believe she is poised to take on a key role in the Firm's future. Often regarded as the glue that holds the family together, Zara and her husband, former rugby union player Mike Tindall, share close bonds with Prince William, the heir to the throne, as well as with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Zara was among the few entrusted with the recent news of Eugenie's pregnancy and even persuaded her to write to the King before the public announcement. With a known passion for equestrian sports and regular attendance at events like Ascot and Cheltenham, it is perhaps no surprise that the daughter of Princess Anne could be strategically positioned for the Prince of Wales' future slimmed-down monarchy.
Loyalty to the Monarchy
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail: 'Zara and Mike's first loyalty is to the institution of monarchy and its future. They are reportedly in the 'inner circle' of the future reign of Prince William and were at William's side when he hosted a Buckingham Palace Garden Party without Catherine in 2021. They are popular with the public, who are divided on whether Beatrice and Eugenie should have titles and have a future as non-working royals. They are independent enough to do as they wish, but nobody should doubt that their loyalty, like that of Zara's indomitable mother, Princess Anne, is first and foremost to the monarchy at all times.'
Popularity and Independence
Zara relies on several top sponsorships. She is a highly popular equestrian, and she and Mike have a special place in the nation's hearts. As Fitzwilliams noted, 'He has a laconic, likeable style as well as being a former rugby captain.' As Zara celebrates her 45th birthday with loved ones, the daughter of Princess Anne looks ahead with optimism. Fondly known as the glue that binds the Firm together, the Prince of Wales is said to be keen to carve out a key position for Zara when he ascends the throne. With the Firm weathering numerous scandals and challenges in recent years, Zara is often cited as a steadfast and reliable figure who will pave the way for the next generation.
Fitzwilliams added: 'She is a highly popular equestrian who won a Silver Medal at the 2012 Olympics, which her mother presented to her. This was a wonderful moment for any family, and especially for the royal family, as it made it a national event. Proof of her popularity was being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.'
Choosing Sides
Despite her close bond with Beatrice and Eugenie, recent documents have raised serious questions about how much the York sisters knew of their parents' corrupt dealings with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. According to Fitzwilliams, if it came to choosing sides, the Tindalls would naturally support the Prince and Princess of Wales, not just because they are the future King and Queen. Zara and Mike's popularity and unique position as members of the Royal Family, without the hindrance of titles, have undoubtedly boosted their careers, enabling them to secure long-standing, lucrative deals with brands such as Rolex and Land Rover. The couple will be anxious to protect their livelihoods and will naturally not want any associations to the Epstein scandal to impinge on their brand, even if that means distancing themselves from their cousins.
Close Bond with William
Zara and William are known to have a particularly close bond, with the two cousins born just 13 months apart. William previously recalled crying while watching Zara win her European Championship. Speaking on Mike's podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, William said: 'We were all hustled round the phone and she was there, she was blubbing away, the flag was going up. And I was just like, I was in pieces. I was so proud.' Catherine also noted how overcome with joy her husband was that day: 'I can remember because you came back and said I've never been so proud of anyone.'
Yet while William has reportedly been keen for Zara to embrace a more forward-facing role, Fitzwilliams feels strongly that she enjoys her unique position of not having the responsibilities and stresses associated with bearing a title. The mother-of-three has enjoyed numerous high-value brand partnerships and a lucrative lifestyle, which would be less likely if she were to take on a more prominent role. 'Both of them are well known personalities and that makes them ideal to endorse products. They get the benefits of being royal but not the debits,' Fitzwilliams explained.
Financial Success
Together, the pair have amassed an estimated £30 million fortune from a number of shrewd deals, sponsorships, and endorsements. England Rugby legend Mike is the fourth richest former player in the UK, and his time in the I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here jungle in 2022 helped him secure even more brand partnerships. Zara has long praised her mother for allowing her children to carve their own paths and the deliberate decision not to give her or her brother, Peter Phillips, royal titles. The enviable life the couple now enjoy, says Zara, is because she wasn't granted a formal role at birth.
In 2023, Zara told the late former rugby player Rob Burrow's Total Sport podcast that she felt 'lucky' for the life the couple have. She explained: 'From my point of view, I was obviously very lucky that my mother didn't give us any titles so I really commend her on that. We were very lucky that we got to do it a bit our own way. My family has a great work ethic as well which I'm hoping they instilled in me and is still going to this day.'
