Royal expert Jennie Bond said Zara and Mike Tindall would ‘step up’ if Prince William calls on them as he did at a garden party last year – but they don’t want official roles

Zara and Mike Tindall are willing to “step up” if Prince William asks them to do so, a royal expert has claimed.

The couple, who are now attending 2025 Magic Millions events in Australia, have seen their popularity skyrocket in recent years and are seen as firm favourites among royal fans. According to royal expert Jennie Bond, Zara and Mike have “the very best of both worlds” due to their unique position within the Firm and while they are unlikely to want more involvement, they would be ready to “step up” if need be.

The expert said: “Although they don’t have titles, they obviously have the cachet of being so much part of the extended Royal Family. They have managed to use that commercially without getting into too much bother.”

The couple have ‘the very best of both worlds’, according to Jennie Bond ( 
Image:
UK Press via Getty Images)

Zara and Mike at Ascot in June 2024 ( 
Image:
UK Press via Getty Images)
Ms Bond said: “They are both very close to William, and if he calls on them again (as he did at a garden party last year), they will definitely agree.” Clarifying that this support would not extend to official working roles, Ms Bond added: “Not to an official working role, nor do I think the public would want to fund any more working royals.”

Praising the couple’s genuine connection after seeing pictures of them at events in Australia, Ms Bond said: “Zara really is a remarkably beautiful woman, no wonder Mike always looks so proud and happy. The feeling is mutual: she oozes love for her big bear of a rugby star husband, with his crooked nose and rugged appeal.”

Zara, 43, and Mike, 46, live on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire and seem to be “living life to the full”, always showing love for each other, the royal expert said.. While speaking about Mike’s and Zara’s relationship, Ms Bond said: “Zara really is a remarkably beautiful woman, no wonder Mike always looks so proud and happy. But the feeling is mutual: she oozes love for her big bear of a rugby star husband, with his crooked nose and rugged appeal. I think we all enjoy seeing them out and about together, usually arm in arm or having a cuddle – living life to the full.”

Mike and Zara are a fan favourite when it comes to Royal couples ( 
Image:
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Earlier today, we reported that a property expert has warned that Zara and her brother, Peter Phillips could be hit with a hefty inheritance tax bill if they inherit their mother’s Gatcombe Park estate. Purchased by the late Queen Elizabeth in 1976, the property is now estimated to be worth a whopping £6million.In the documentary Gatcombe Park: A Royal Residence, royal experts suggested the children could inherit the estate. Simon Vigar, royal correspondent at 5 News, said: “I think Gatcombe Park is the forever home for Anne and Tim, it’s obviously where she is happy. She’s been very happy there since the late 1970s.”

Meanwhile, Editor-in-chief at Majesty Magazine Ingrid Stewart said: “I think it’s absolutely no doubt that Zara and Peter will keep Gatcombe going, the last thing in the world they’d want to do is to have to sell it and they won’t.” But Zara and Peter may face a monumental issue should they indeed inherit the estate – a giant tax bill.

Terry Fisher of We Buy Any Home shared his expertise, explained: “If Gatcombe Park is valued at £6million, inheritance tax (IHT) could be substantial. In the UK, inheritance tax is currently charged at 40% on estates exceeding the £325,000 threshold, unless exemptions or reliefs apply.”