Zara Tindall, Princess Anne's daughter and a close cousin to Prince William, has become a pillar of support for the Royal Family during a challenging period, according to royal author Ingrid Seward.
Born just 13 months apart, Zara and William have shared a close bond since childhood, with Seward describing Zara as "the sister William never had." Their friendship has been a constant source of support, especially in recent months as the Royal Family has faced various trials.
Zara's unwavering support for William has been evident in recent appearances, most notably at Royal Ascot in June. She was seen offering a comforting arm around the future King, later linking arms with him as they chatted in the Parade Ring. "They've always had terrific fun together and they've always supported each other," said Seward.
Zara's support extends beyond William, as she has also shown her affection for both King Charles, recovering from cancer, and Kate Middleton, who is undergoing treatment for the same.
In May, Zara, along with Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and her brother Peter Phillips, joined William in hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace. The event was a testament to the strong bond between the cousins, with one royal insider noting, "They are uniquely placed to understand how the royal family and the institution works, without having the titles and responsibilities themselves." This shared understanding allows them to offer unique support to William as lifelong friends.
Zara's connection to the monarchy and William is further evident in her interactions with William's equerry and Kate's private secretary at the garden party. Seward describes Zara as "very bright and intuitive about people," adding that she enjoys the best of both worlds: understanding royal life while retaining the freedom to live her own life without the pressures faced by senior royals.
Despite her unwavering support, reports suggesting that Zara might be called upon for royal duties or be given the title of Princess are, according to sources close to the family, wide of the mark. "She can support her family and be invited to family occasions and other events, but also continue to live her life and do what she wants," says a friend. "The two things can co-exist. Why would she want to change that?"
Zara's role within the Royal Family remains one of unwavering support and close friendship, allowing her to maintain her own unique identity while continuing to be a valued member of the family.