They are the guarantors of good cheer and provide down-to-earth entertainment within the royal family. But this year, Charles and Co. will likely have to do without Zara and Mike Tindall at a traditional family gathering.
Wherever they appear, laughter soon follows: Zara Tindall, 43, and her beloved Mike, 45, are popular cheerful personalities who can turn any dull gathering into a lively party crowd within seconds. The royal family surely counted on them again this year. After difficult months overshadowed by the cancer diagnoses of King Charles, 75, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, a bit of the Tindall’s cheer would have surely been a welcome respite during their time at Balmoral. However, expectations are likely to be disappointed.
Zara and Mike Tindall Choose Horses Over Family
Charles’ mood, in particular, is likely to be dampened. His goddaughter Zara is his favorite, regularly making him laugh and enchanting him with her cheerful calm. But the professional equestrian has other priorities this summer. According to the “Express,” she wants to participate in the Wellington International Horse Trials in Hampshire and has already submitted her application for the competition.
The fact that this event takes place from August 24 to 26 puts Zara in a dilemma. That weekend, the royal family traditionally attends a Sunday service at Crathie Kirk church near Balmoral. This traditional event has been a fixed part of their joint vacation at the Windsors’ Scottish retreat for decades.
Hope for a Brief Visit
“Charles very much wants Zara and the family to come to the holiday service on the last Sunday in August,” a source reports, “but he understands that her horse competitions are very important to her.” Therefore, the king is allegedly relying on the flexibility of his niece and her entourage. “Charles hopes that they [the Tindalls] can come a week earlier to join the rest of the family so everyone can enjoy the planned picnics and walks on the estate.”
Not only the monarch would be bitterly disappointed if the Tindalls skipped the family summer retreat at the cherished location entirely. “Mia, Lena, and Lucas get along remarkably well with George, Charlotte, and Louis. Since many children will be there this year, they are planning a mix of events for adults and children to entertain everyone.”
An argument that might indeed be persuasive. After all, it should also be in Zara and Mike’s interest for the Wales children to experience some carefree moments with their great-cousins amid concerns about their mother and grandfather.
No Invitation for Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan
However, the royal minis will once again have to do without getting to know their cousin Prince Archie, 5, and cousin Princess Lilibet, 3, better during these holidays. Apparently, their parents Prince Harry, 39, and Duchess Meghan, 42, were not extended a personal invitation to join the family for the summer vacation this time, despite numerous attempts in previous years.
“Harry and Meghan will not join the rest of the royal family in August,” an insider told “Express.” Charles has apparently drawn a line after the numerous attacks against the royal family. “The king wants it to be a happy family gathering where members of the royal family come together for a little more than a week to discuss future plans and relax.”
Unofficial Visit by Harry?
Nevertheless, rumors of a brief visit by the youngest son to Balmoral are circulating. Harry might reportedly show up in Scotland at the end of August to see Charles. A time when the rest of the family will already have left. “The main arrivals are scheduled for mid-August, while some family members may attend a shooting event on August 12,” the source said, adding, “The Sussexes will not attend this event, but Harry might join the king later when the queen and the rest of the royal family have left.”
The last meeting between Charles and his youngest son took place in early February 2024 in London, shortly after the king publicly announced his cancer diagnosis. The Duke of Sussex had rushed from his chosen home in Montecito to speak with his father. However, the concerned royal was reportedly granted only a 30-minute private audience. A bitter disappointment likely leading to new wounds.
A much-anticipated reunion in May was thwarted by Charles’ busy schedule. Harry had traveled to the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Invictus Games” with a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral. A meeting with his father was at the top of his agenda, but the Sussex spokesperson had to announce to the curious media: “Due to His Majesty’s busy schedule, it will unfortunately not be possible.” He simultaneously assured that the 39-year-old understood and “hoped to see him soon.”
The source close to the royals, however, seems less optimistic and assesses the likelihood of a meeting at Balmoral at the end of the summer as rather low: “Given the current tensions, this is (…) highly unlikely.”
