Zara Tindall is set to fill a Royal Family role that Prince William finds “uncomfortable”, according to a royal insider.
Sources have claimed that Zara, 44, could be elevated to a more prominent position within the monarchy to handle equestrian responsibilities that Prince William finds “uncomfortable”.
The former Olympic equestrian, who follows in her mother Princess Anne’s footsteps, is understood to be considered for royal racing duties during William’s future reign.
Prince William, who celebrated his 43rd birthday today, attended Royal Ascot for just one day last week.
Zara Tindall set to fill Royal Family role that Prince William finds ‘uncomfortable’.
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Sources suggest he lacks the passion for horse racing that characterised Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles’s involvement.
A racing source familiar with the Royal Family told the Times: “I never get the feeling the whole top hat and racing is really his thing, and he’s said as much.”
The same source added: “He’s never really seemed comfortable doing it.”
Sources close to William acknowledge that whilst “he understands how important Ascot is, not just to the racing community but to UK plc”, the future king will take a less active approach.
Zara Tindall and Prince William pictured at Ascot last week.
PA
The Prince of Wales is expected to reduce his involvement with both Royal Ascot and the royal stud at Sandringham in Norfolk compared to current and previous monarchs.
This shift in royal priorities presents an ideal opportunity for Princess Anne’s daughter to step into the equestrian role, leveraging her Olympic experience and lifelong connection to the sport.
Currently, Zara and her husband Mike Tindall are not working members of the Royal Family.
The couple maintain a private life on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire with their three children, Mia, Lena and Lucas.
Zara Tindall competing at the Cirencester Park horse trials.
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Prince William sat in a carriage with the King and Queen at Ascot.
PA
Despite their non-working status, the couple’s potential involvement in royal equestrian duties would address a significant gap in representation during William’s eventual reign.
Zara’s Olympic credentials and deep understanding of the racing world make her uniquely qualified to maintain the monarchy’s traditional connection to equestrian pursuits.
The arrangement would allow William to focus on areas where he feels more comfortable whilst ensuring the Crown’s historic relationship with horse racing continues through a trusted family member.
