In the years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit royal life, other members of the Firm have stepped into the spotlight. Mike and Zara Tindall have become much loved, popular members of the Royal Family thanks to their easy-going and down-to-earth nature.
Just recently, the couple returned from a two week visit to Australia in honour of the annual Magic Millions Carnival. They were on top form as they attended a series of events on the Gold Coast – and Mike shared a heartfelt statement reflecting on their time away.
“Ahhh looking back on such a good week @magicmillions and @magicmillionspolo,” Mike wrote on Instagram, sharing 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 share three children together, Mia, 11, Lena, six, and three-year-old Lucas. Just like Meghan, Mike married into the Royal Family – but they had very differing experiences.
Former England rugby captain Mike previously reflected on his seamless transition into the Firm. “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.
Mike further emphasised the royal family’s strong bonds, describing them as “a very close family who loved each other dearly”. In comparison, Meghan has spoken about her difficulties adjusting to royal life.
The former actress, who stepped back from royal duties with Prince Harry in 2020, detailed her challenges during her 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, including claims of racism within the monarchy. She further railed against the Firm in her and Harry’s controversial Netflix documentary, suggesting the Prince and Princess of Wales weren’t warm towards her.
Unlike the Sussexes, Zara and Mike – though untitled and without formal royal roles – are known for their close ties to Princess Anne, King Charles, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Tindalls have seen their popularity skyrocket in recent years and are firm favourites among royal fans. And according to an expert, the Tindalls could step up and make more public appearances – should Prince William ask them.
Jennie Bond noted that Zara and Mike currently have “the very best of both worlds” due to their unique position within the Firm and, while they are unlikely to want more involvement, they would be ready to “step up” if need be. She said: “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.” Clarifying that this support would not extend to official working roles, Ms Bond added: “Not to an official working role, nor do I think the public would want to fund any more working royals.”
Zara, 43, and Mike, 46, live on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire and seem to be “living life to the full”, always showing love for each other, the royal expert said.
“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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