Zara and Mike Tindall are the “way forward” for the royal family, according to Princess Diana’s royal butler Paul Burrell.
The couple, who married in 2011, are celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary today.
Princess Anne’s daughter married the rugby star at Canongate Kirk on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on 30 June that year.
Burrell, who was once Princess Diana’s confidant and also served as Queen Elizabeth II’s personal footman, said the couple’s “down-to-earth” nature could symbolize the way forward for the royals.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, he said: ‘He (Mike) seems to be a very down-to-earth, realistic guy, someone who lives in the real world.
Zara and Mike Tindall are the “way forward” for the royal family, according to former royal butler Paul Burrell (pictured together at Wimbledon earlier this month)
Burrell (pictured last November) was once Princess Diana’s confidant and also served as a personal footman to Queen Elizabeth II.
“Mike brings his authenticity to that equation and is a great asset to Zara and her family. They are very happy. They just tell it like it is, and I think that’s the way forward.”
He added: “Mike Tindall has done an incredible job of crossing that line and entering the real world, but keeping one foot in the real world. He must have a very balanced mind to deal with both entities.”
Mike, 45, and Zara, 43, have long been known as some of the “most laid-back” royals, including their love of public displays of affection.
They are also known for their friendly relations with all members of the Royal Family, marking themselves as key players that unite the members of The Firm.
While some of Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren have opted for venues such as Westminster Abbey or St George’s Chapel for their weddings, Mike and Zara tied the knot on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile – and it was not shown on television.
It was Scotland’s first royal wedding in 20 years, with Queen Elizabeth herself as guest of honour.
Zara wore a romantic long ivory silk dress with silk tulle details, designed by the Queen’s favourite couturier, Stewart Parvin.
It took place just three months after William and Kate’s royal wedding, which captured the attention of millions around the world.
Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall after their wedding at Canongate Kirk on July 30, 2011 in Edinburgh
Mike and Zara are known as the “most relaxed” of the royals and enjoy showing public displays of affection, such as in Cheltenham in March (pictured).
Both couples are known to be close and clearly have a lot in common.
Paul commented that William and Kate have the “same authenticity” as Zara and Mike, and both couples do not “hide” anything.
Their wedding set the stage for the rest of their marriage, and the couple has only grown stronger over the years.
Since their wedding in 2011, Zara and Mike have welcomed three children: Mia in 2014, Lena in 2018 and Lucas in 2021.
Although they are not official members of the royal family, they appear to be making their way into Charles’ inner circle.
They have been photographed near royals at recent historic events, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, and the Tindalls were also part of Charles’ coronation celebrations last year.
On more private occasions, they also joined the family for the Christmas service at Sandringham in December, as well as joining them for a festive lunch.
In recent years, Mike has also reflected on how close the family has become since the late Queen’s passing in 2022.
Mia Tindall, Mike Tindall, Zara Tindall and Lena Tindall appear at St George’s Chapel in April 2023.
Zara and Mike looked to be having a blast at Wimbledon earlier this month.
Last month, PDA-loving Mike even cheekily placed a hand on Zara’s bum at Royal Ascot.
He has spoken of how the Royal Family “came together overnight” following the death of Elizabeth II.
The former England rugby star also revealed he is “very sorry” for not asking the Queen more questions during his time with her in a special episode of his podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby.
He said: “It’s been sad, emotional but happy. In a way, amazing. Seeing the family so united overnight.
‘You never predict it. A 96-year-old woman knows it’s going to happen, but she’s never prepared for when it happens.
“Seeing what Zara had to go through, she obviously loved the Queen more than anything. Her connection with horses, they had a real bond around that.
“It’s like the world has lost its grandmother in some way.”
She continued: ‘I also really regret not asking him so many more questions… Feeling nervous when you sit there and get that lucky seat of sitting next to him.
‘Looking back in history and everything I’ve probably seen: 15 prime ministers, I don’t know how many presidents.
Although Zara and her husband Mike are not official royals, they appear to be working their way into Charles’ inner circle.
‘To get through everything, when you meet dictators, you have to remain neutral, you have to do your duty.’
The royal couple have long been known for their friendly relations with all members of the Royal Family, and stand out as key players bringing members of The Firm together.
Includes the couple close relationship with the Waleses – and Zara’s close bond with her cousins Beatriz and Eugenia.
Last month at Ascot, everyone was warmly welcomed, from Prince William to Carole and Michael Middleton.
Speaking to The times Earlier this year, a royal source dubbed Mike, 45, and Zara, 43, “the glue of their generation of royals, no matter how serious the occasion.”
“They can help the family forget the seriousness of what is happening,” they added.
‘While some family members can be very ‘real’, Mike is himself and is relaxed and playful with George, Charlotte and Louis.
Pictured: Zara, Eugenie and Kate Middleton chatting together at Royal Ascot in 2019
Zara is also known to have a sweet relationship with King Charles III. She was photographed last year with her uncle and Queen Camilla.
“It’s helpful if everyone has children of roughly the same age, who they can have fun with together in private and bring a sense of normality to what is a stressful situation for everyone involved.”
Prince William and Zara were born just a year apart, meaning they have been very close for years. The Prince of Wales is also very close to Mike, who interviewed him last year for his podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby.
Zara, in particular, also maintains a close bond with her cousins Eugenie and Beatrice, whom she often hugs and kisses at high-profile royal events.
The shy Beatrice on social media made an unusual post on X in 2022, to show her support for Mike’s show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, calling her cousin’s husband “the best.”
Zara is also known to have a sweet relationship with her uncle, King Charles III.
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