Since King Charles took to the throne in 2022, it has been no secret that the monarchy has shrunk. Unlike during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, when Buckingham Palace balcony appearances saw dozens of royals gather together to wave to crowds, the balcony tends to be very quiet during royal events these days, with just key senior royals stepping out.
Believed to be a way to cut costs, the King, 76, has undertaken his role in this way for almost three years now, with many believing that his son and future heir Prince William, 43, will keep things the same when he one day wears the Crown. Although William hasn’t openly discussed this, some believe the Prince of Wales could go the other way, and could invite some of his non-working royal cousins to carry out some royal roles if they so wish, including Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall.
Although Zara, 44, may not be keen on this idea now, former royal butler Grant Harrold believes this could potentially change.
Speaking to Prime Casino, Grant Harrold, who worked for King Charles between 2004 and 2011 when he was the Prince of Wales, said: “I don’t think we’ll see Zara and Mike pick up any more Royal duties.
“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.
“I don’t think Mike is into that. The fact that we see them more informally is what I think makes them so likeable, Zara and Mike are relatable.
“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? That could be a different story. It’s thought he’s going to keep it small going forward, but you never know.”
It is believed Zara and her husband Mike Tindall are very close with senior royals, including Prince William and Princess Kate.
It is also thought that she shares a sweet bond with her uncle King Charles, having been seen greeting him sweetly during past royal events.
Despite being a member of the family, Zara has never held a royal title – a decision made by Princess Anne, 74, when her children were born to enable them to live a more normal life.
Zara has praised her mum’s decision in previous interviews, saying she was “very lucky” for this.