King Charles is reportedly being encouraged to offer Mike and Zara Tindall more prominent roles within the royal family, a move that has reportedly left Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feeling uneasy.
The Tindalls, with their rising popularity, have been seen as potential new faces of the monarchy. Polls by YouGov consistently rank Zara as the sixth most popular royal and eighth most popular public figure, surpassing even notable figures like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Queen Camilla.
This surge in popularity has sparked discussions about the Tindalls stepping into more significant roles, especially given the diminishing presence of the Sussexes. At a recent Sandringham Christmas service, the Tindalls were seen mingling with the Prince and Princess of Wales, further fueling speculation about their increasing influence. Commentators suggest the Tindalls could be the ideal counterbalance to the ongoing drama surrounding Harry and Meghan. Charles Kennington, former head of press for David Cameron, noted that the monarchy seeks relevance, and the Tindalls, with their independent careers and grounded demeanor, fit the role perfectly. They avoid negative headlines and manage a balance of private lives with public duties, which makes them an attractive option for the monarchy.
The late Queen Elizabeth had a particular fondness for Mike Tindall, appreciating his humor and ease within royal circles. Princess Anne, known for her no-nonsense approach, reportedly preferred that Zara and her brother Peter Phillips lead independent lives without royal titles. Zara herself has praised her mother for this decision, valuing the opportunity to live a more personal life.
Meanwhile, as Harry and Meghan continue their high-profile existence in California, the Tindalls have grown closer to Prince William and Princess Catherine. Royal commentator Phil Dampier noted that Zara and Mike’s children are now seen as the closest cousins to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—a contrast to the growing distance between the Wales children and Harry and Meghan’s offspring. Dampier described the situation as tragic, noting the Sussexes' children are missing out on bonding with their royal cousins.
This shift is particularly significant given Harry’s recent revelation that he will not bring his family to the UK due to security concerns. The Tindalls’ rising prominence highlights the Sussexes’ increasingly sidelined role in royal affairs. The royal family’s pivot toward the Tindalls reflects a broader strategy to emphasize relatability in their public image, with Zara and Mike offering a more grounded alternative to the Sussexes. As the Tindalls’ influence grows, it underscores Harry and Meghan's diminishing role in the monarchy.
