King Charles could promote Zara Tindall to the frontline of royal engagements as the already-slimmed-down monarchy continues to contend with his and Princess Kate’s health concerns.
King Charles left hospital on Monday having undergone a “corrective procedure” for a benign enlarged prostate, while Princess Kate is recovering at home after a two-week-long abdominal operation. She is not expected to return to royal duties until after Easter.
Prince William has also suspended his own engagements as he looks after his wife and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – leaving the King with even fewer to choose from for royal events. Speaking to GB News America, royal biographer Angela Levin said the King needs to be conscious of appointing those with strong connections to Prince Harry.
She claimed that shining a spotlight on any royals that are “quite friendly with Harry” could “leak something”. It also could prove “awkward” if he promotes anyone close Prince Andrew due to the “problems” the Duke of York is having, she added.
Ms Levin said: “He didn’t know he was going to be unwell or that Catherine would too, he didn’t have that in mind.
“But I think it’s also very, very difficult to choose who he would have. He’s got his sister Princess Anne, who’s always there, works hard, incredibly hard and only does slightly less engagements than him.”
Ms Levin continued: “That’s been terrific as well because they just get on with things, Sophie and Edward.”
But there is one Royal who would dodge any potential issues with Prince Harry or Prince Andrew, the commentator said.
“My own view is that he could have Zara, who is the daughter of Princess Anne,” she said, “because she and her husband Mike, who comes also from an ordinary background, but fits in beautifully with the Royal Family. He could do it very well.
“They’re very popular, they’re very nice, they’re jolly, they’re honourable, they’re loyal to all the royal family. So he could do that.”
However a former royal butler recently claimed Zara and Mike would be inappropriate to take up more senior roles.
Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, dismissed any claims about Princess Anne’s daughter and her husband stepping up to help the King and suggested Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice could do so instead.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Burrell explained: “I don’t see Zara and Mika Tindall are the right candidates to step up to the plate, I can see Eugenie and Beatrice doing charitable work and minor roles.”
The royal expert branded the Princess Royal the “best queen we never had” and praised her work ethic.
He said: “But Princess Anne is always there, she is the best queen we never had, she has an incredible work ethic and is a great credit to the Royal Family. The King will lean a lot on his sister as well as his son in the coming months.”
