Mike and Zara Tindall Won’t Ever Be Working Royals — and King Charles Could Be The Reason For It
Zara Tindall may be the daughter of the hardest-working royal, Princess Anne, but neither she nor her husband, Mike Tindall, are expected to become full-time working royals anytime soon. The couple, known and loved for their mischievous charm and laid-back attitude, stand out from the rest of their stoic family members. Commenting on their relatable nature, former royal butler Grant Harrold revealed that Zara and Mike are not eager to take on royal duties. He also claimed the couple won’t ever become working royals under King Charles’s vision for a ‘slimmed-down monarchy.’
Harrold recently shed light on what the Tindalls have in store for them ahead of their 14th wedding anniversary. As reported by the Royal Insider, he explained, "They’re not currently working royals – of course, we see them at events and supporting the King, we always will, but as for increasing their presence, I don’t think they will. If anything, the King is trying to scale back, so I don’t think there would be any need for them to pick up more duties; however, when William is King and there is a younger royal family, who knows?"
While Charles may not make Zara and Mike working royals, Harold revealed that the King and the rest of the royal family dote on the Tindalls' likable and quirky nature. He said, "The royal family loves Mike, he’s a great addition. He got on really well with the late Queen... Zara is very grounded, and he is the same; they’re a great match for each other." The former butler also spoke about Mike's close bond with Prince William and their shared love for jokes and sports. He added, "The royals, especially Prince William and Prince Harry, love their sports, so that’s something they have in common with Mike – another reason why he fits in so well."
Mike and Zara tied the knot in 2011 and have since welcomed two daughters and a son together. Harrold spoke highly of the couple’s humble nature, reflecting on his experience working with them during his time in the royal household. He shared, "Zara was the very first royal that I ever looked after. Mike came on the scene after I had left the royal household, but they live locally to me. I see them out and about, I see them in the supermarket." He also noted that their lack of interest in taking on formal royal engagements is part of what makes them so likable.
As for Charles's vision for a slimmed-down monarchy, according to Time magazine, his approach reportedly aims to curb costs, reduce public funding burdens, and reflect modernization within the Firm. Since the exit of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew from official duties, only a handful of royals currently undertake public duties.