Zara and Mike Tindall have been spotted enjoying a picture of relaxation on Australia's Gold Coast, but behind their casual beach stroll lies a multi-million pound reason they are unlikely to ever become senior working royals.
The 'Relatable Royals' Enjoy Their Freedom
The couple, often hailed as the monarchy's 'secret weapon' for their down-to-earth charm, were photographed during their now annual trip to Australia for the Magic Millions polo and showjumping event. Dressed in shorts and T-shirts, they took a quiet walk along Broadbeach, a serene moment amid the busy equestrian schedule.
However, their enviable lifestyle of freedom and lucrative commercial deals stands in stark contrast to the regimented duties of a working royal. According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, this is precisely why they will not be bolstering King Charles's slimmed-down monarchy.
A Lucrative Life of Brand Deals and Endorsements
Just this week, Zara Tindall, 44, demonstrated her commercial appeal, showcasing a dazzling new jewellery collection with Australian designer John Calleija, with pieces costing up to £26,000. This partnership, spanning over a decade, is just one of several mega-brand associations for the equestrian.
Leveraging her unique position as a royal family member without a title, Zara has longstanding ties with luxury names including Rolex, Musto, and Land Rover. Her husband, the former England rugby captain Mike Tindall, 47, complements this with his own ventures, from a popular podcast to a lucrative appearance on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2022.
Together, the pair have amassed an estimated £30 million fortune. "They have a lucrative lifestyle, they are popular and they have unconventional personal profiles," Fitzwilliams told The Daily Mail. "There is no chance that they would ever give this up."
The High Cost of Becoming a Working Royal
Becoming senior working royals would require a seismic shift. They would have to abandon all paid commercial partnerships, as the Prince and Princess of Wales do, and submit to the will of the royal calendar—likely putting cherished traditions like their Australian holiday on hold.
"They would give the institution a lively, contemporary feel," Fitzwilliams acknowledged. "[But they have] a good life and they seem to be loving it!" He emphasised that their favourable public image and popularity make them ideal for endorsements, a significant income stream they would forfeit.
Zara herself has expressed gratitude for the path chosen by her mother, Princess Anne, who did not give her children titles. "I was obviously very lucky that my mother didn't give us any titles so I really commend her on that," Zara said on a podcast in 2023. "We were very lucky that we got to do it a bit our own way."
For now, the Tindalls continue to expertly navigate their space: enjoying the profile that comes with royalty while capitalising on the commercial freedom their status affords—a balance that appears too profitable and pleasant to trade for a palace desk.
