Key Points
- Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggests Zara and Mike Tindall would back Prince William if he chose to distance Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie from royal duties.
- The speculation follows the fallout from Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s scandals, which led to the loss of their titles and residence at Royal Lodge.
- Fitzwilliams noted that while Zara and Mike maintain close ties with Beatrice and Eugenie, their loyalty lies with the monarchy.
- Beatrice and Eugenie remain in difficult positions, holding charitable roles but facing scrutiny due to their parents’ controversies.
- The King is reportedly supportive of the princesses for now, despite ongoing debate about their future roles.
Expert Commentary on Royal Dynamics
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail that if Prince William were to “oust” Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie from official royal duties, he would likely have the backing of Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall.
Fitzwilliams emphasized that Zara and Mike, despite their personal friendships with Beatrice and Eugenie, would ultimately align with William and Catherine. “If it came to choosing, Zara and Mike would naturally support William and Catherine,” he said.
The Princesses’ Position
Beatrice and Eugenie, daughters of the former Duke of York and Sarah Ferguson, remain in what Fitzwilliams described as an “impossible position.” Both hold several charitable posts, but their parents’ scandals have cast a shadow over their public roles.
While King Charles has shown sympathy and support for the princesses, their long-term place within the monarchy remains uncertain.
Zara and Mike’s Role
Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, and her husband Mike have cultivated a low-key, casual public image, often seen as relatable figures within the royal family. Fitzwilliams noted that while they are independent, their loyalty—like Princess Anne’s—ultimately lies with the monarchy.
“They are independent enough to do as they wish,” Fitzwilliams explained. “But nobody should doubt that their loyalty, like that of Zara’s indomitable mother, Princess Anne, is first and foremost to the monarchy at all times.”
Context: Prince Andrew’s Fallout
The speculation comes after Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson lost their royal titles and were forced to vacate the Royal Lodge following years of scandal. Their daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, have since faced heightened scrutiny, despite not being directly implicated in their parents’ controversies.
What Happens Next?
As debates continue over the future of the monarchy and its slimmed-down structure, questions remain about whether Beatrice and Eugenie will retain their roles. If Prince William takes a firmer stance, expert opinion suggests Zara and Mike Tindall would stand firmly behind him, reinforcing loyalty to the crown above personal ties.
