As Zara Tindall turns 45, how down-to-earth royal is relied on by William who counts her in his ‘inner circle’ – and she also supported Eugenie amid pregnancy announcement

She is often referred to as the Royal Family’s secret weapon due to her unassuming nature and charm, and as Zara Tindall turns 45 today, insiders believe she is set to play a key role in the Firm’s future.

Often seen as the glue that holds the family together, Zara and her former rugby player husband Mike Tindall are close to heir to the throne William, as well as sharing special bonds with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

In fact, Zara was one of the few people who was entrusted with the latest news about Eugenie’s pregnancy and even persuaded her to write to the King before it was made public.

And with her known passion for equestrian sports and being a regular attendee at the likes of high society favorites Ascot and Cheltenham, it is perhaps no surprise that Princess Anne’s daughter could be in a strategic position for the Prince of Wales’ future weakened monarchy.

Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail: ‘Zara and Mike’s first loyalty is to the institution of the monarchy and its future. ‘They were reportedly in the ‘inner circle’ of Prince William’s future reign and were by William’s side when he hosted the Buckingham Palace Garden Party without Catherine in 2021.

They are popular with the public, who are divided over whether ‘Beatrice and Eugenie’ should have titles and a future as non-working royals.

‘They are independent enough to do what they want, but no one should doubt that their loyalty, like that of Zara’s indomitable mother Princess Anne, is first and foremost to the monarchy.

‘Zara relies on many high-level sponsorships. He is a hugely popular equestrian and he and Mike hold a special place in the country’s hearts as he has a laconic, likeable style as well as being a former rugby captain.’

The Prince of Wales, affectionately known as the glue that holds the firm together, is said to be keen to create a key position for Zara when he ascends to the throne

Considering that the company has endured numerous scandals and challenges in recent years, Zara is often cited as a determined and reliable figure who will pave the way for the next generation.

Royals pundit Richard Fitzwilliams previously told the Daily Mail: ‘He’s a hugely popular equestrian and he and Mike hold a special place in the hearts of the nation as he has a laconic, likeable style as well as being a former rugby captain.

‘The public appreciates her as a talented equestrian who won the Silver Medal at the 2012 Olympics, which was gifted to her by her mother; This was a great moment for any family, especially the Royal Family as they made it a national event. Proof of his popularity was his selection as BBC Sports Personality of the Year.’

Despite his close bond with Beatrice and Eugenie, recently revealed documents have raised serious questions about how much the York sisters knew about their parents’ corrupt dealings with pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

According to Mr Fitzwilliams, if it came time to ‘choose sides’, the Tindalls would ‘naturally’ support the Prince and Princess of Wales; And not just because they are the future King and Queen.

Zara and Mike’s popularity and unique position as members of the Royal Family without the barrier of title has undoubtedly done wonders for their careers; It allowed both Zara and Mike to secure long-term, lucrative deals with brands such as Rolex and Land Rover.

The couple will be anxious to protect their livelihood and naturally will not want any association with the Epstein scandal to affect their brand; even if it means moving away from their cousins.

Meanwhile, Zara and William are known to share a particularly close bond with each other; two cousins ​​born just 13 months apart.

While Zara and her former rugby player husband Mike Tindall share close ties with the Prince and Princess of Wales, she is also known to be a pretty close ally of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Zara was one of the few people entrusted with the latest news of Eugenie’s pregnancy, and even persuaded her to write to the King before it was made public.

Zara has long praised her mother, Princess Anne, for allowing her children to make their own paths and for her deliberate decision not to grant royal titles to herself or her brother Peter Phillips.

Anne is said to have taken on a maternal role for Princes William and Harry when their mother died, with William previously recalling ‘crying’ watching Zara win the European Championships.

Speaking on Mike’s podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, William said: ‘We were all running around the phone and there he was, crying, the flag going up.

‘I felt like I was being torn into pieces too. ‘I was so proud.’ Catherine also noted how happy her husband was that day. I can remember because you came back and said you’d never been more proud of anyone.’

While William is reportedly keen for Zara to take on a more forward-looking role, Mr Fitzwilliams feels strongly that he enjoys his unique position of not having the responsibilities and stresses that come with carrying a title.

The mother of three has numerous high-value brand partnerships and a lucrative lifestyle; This will be less likely if it takes a more prominent and leading role.

‘They are both well-known personalities, making them ideal for endorsing products. Mr Fitzwilliams stated that they enjoyed the benefits of being royals, but the debts were not paid.

Together the pair have amassed an estimated fortune of £30 million from a series of clever deals, sponsorships and endorsements.

England Rugby legend Mike is the fourth richest former player in the UK and his time in the 2022 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here jungle has helped him land even more brand partnerships.

Zara has long praised her mother for allowing her children to make their own paths and for her deliberate decision not to give herself or her brother Peter Phillips a royal title.

Zara says the enviable life the couple now enjoys is because she was not given a formal role in the birth.

Zara Tindall told late former rugby player Rob Burrow’s Total Sport podcast in 2023 that she felt ‘lucky’ for the life the couple had.

He explained: ‘From my perspective, I was definitely very lucky that my mother didn’t give us any titles, so I really appreciate that.’

‘We were very lucky to be able to do it a little bit our own way. My parents also have a great work ethic and I hope they instilled that in me and still do.’