Despite their growing popularity and strong public image, Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall will not be stepping up as working royals anytime soon—at least not under King Charles’s reign.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold has revealed that the King has no intentions of adding his niece Zara or her husband Mike to the official list of working royals. The news comes as a disappointment to many royal fans who have long praised the couple for their down to earth personalities and loyalty to the crown.
Harrold, who served in the royal household for years, spoke with Prime Casino and clarified that the monarch remains committed to his vision of a slimmed down monarchy. Even though there have been growing calls for Prince William to lean on his cousins for royal support, especially after the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, King Charles reportedly remains firm in his decision.
“I don’t think we’ll see Zara and Mike pick up any more royal duties,” Harrold 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.”
The couple’s low key status has actually contributed to their public appeal. With no formal titles or royal obligations, Zara and Mike are often seen enjoying life in a more relaxed and relatable way. Whether attending family events, public celebrations, or sports functions, the couple brings a refreshing authenticity that royal watchers love.
“I don’t think Mike is into that,” Harrold added. “The fact that we see them more informally is what I think makes them so likeable. Zara and Mike are relatable.”
The idea of expanding the number of working royals has been floated frequently in recent years. With Prince Harry and Meghan no longer carrying out royal duties, and with the King and Princess Kate both managing serious health concerns, the pressure on the remaining senior royals has increased.
Prince William is believed to favor a more dynamic and youthful support base for the monarchy, which could mean turning to trusted family members like Zara in the future. However, that potential shift is not expected to happen during King Charles’s time on the throne.
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“If anything, the King is trying to scale back,” Harrold noted. “So I don’t think there would be any need for them to pick up more duties.”
But he also left the door open for a future change under Prince William’s rule. “When William is King and there is a younger royal family, who knows? That could be a different story,” he said. “It’s thought he’s going to keep it small going forward, but you never know.”
Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, has always walked a fine line between royal life and personal independence. She holds no royal title and has built a successful equestrian career of her own, while also raising three children with former rugby star Mike Tindall.
Their love story and family life have made them fan favorites, especially as the monarchy navigates a period of major transition and uncertainty. Many royal followers had hoped they would be brought closer to the core of the institution, especially to support the future Prince and Princess of Wales.
But for now, King Charles seems determined to keep the royal circle tight. His vision of a slimmed down monarchy, focused on a handful of senior members, remains the guiding principle.
Whether that strategy holds in the long term remains to be seen. As Prince William prepares for his future role, a new era of royal leadership could bring unexpected changes—and perhaps a larger role for the Tindalls after all.
