Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once shared a close bond with Mike and Zara Tindall, but recent developments suggest that the two couples might be heading towards rivalry in Hollywood.
Zara, Prince Charles's daughter, and her rugby legend husband, Mike, have been seen mingling with Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky, sparking rumors of their potential entry into the film industry.
A Hollywood insider suggested that if Zara and Mike showcase their acting skills, they could outshine Harry and Meghan, citing Zara's perceived talent compared to Meghan's.
According to celebrity PR expert Jane Owen, Hollywood has a fondness for royalty, and Zara and Mike could leverage that interest to become even more popular than Harry and Meghan. Owen noted that the Tindalls may avoid the negative publicity and mistakes that the Sussexes have faced, potentially making them more marketable over time. A brand expert echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Zara and Mike's sports stardom and credibility in comparison to other members of the royal family.
Jes Kenningham, founder of PR and public affairs consultancy Traga Strategy, highlighted the Tindalls' relatability, portraying them as a more normal and laid-back family compared to the Sussexes. The expert suggested that Harry and Meghan's carefully managed image and lack of humor could make them appear staged and less appealing to American audiences.
The changing dynamics between Harry, Zara, and Mike were evident during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, where Mike Tindall made a comment about Prince Harry's behavior at a reception. Body language experts observed Mike avoiding conversation with Harry, emphasizing a perceived shift in their relationship. Video footage showed the Tindalls engaging in separate conversations with the Sussexes, with Mike notably avoiding direct interaction with Prince Harry and Meghan.
Furthermore, Mike Tindall had previously labeled the topic of Harry and Meghan stepping down as senior royals as a "no-go area" and dodged questions about it during a podcast. This suggests a growing distance between Harry and Zara, marking a departure from their previously close relationship.