Zara Tindall, the accomplished equestrian and daughter of Princess Anne, has been competing at the Blenheim Palace Horse Trials in Oxfordshire.
The event, which began on September 19 and concludes on Sunday, has seen the 43-year-old Olympic silver medallist in her element.
Zara was spotted riding her horse Classicals Euro Star on Friday, donning a navy jacket, white jodhpurs, and a riding helmet.
The mother-of-three, who secured a silver medal as part of the British Equestrian team during the London 2012 Olympics, has been at the event for several days.
On September 18, she led her gelding, Class Affair, to a veterinary inspection.
Despite her royal lineage, Zara is not a working member of the Royal Family.
This stems from a decision made by her mother, Princess Anne, who chose not to give her children royal titles.
Zara has expressed gratitude for this choice, telling The Times in 2015: “I’m very lucky that both my parents decided not to use the title and we grew up and did all the things that gave us the opportunity to do.”
Zara Tindall pictured outside Blenheim Palace
PA
She reiterated this sentiment in 2023 on the Seven: Rob Burrow podcast, stating: “From my point of view, I was obviously very lucky that my mother didn’t give us any titles so I really commend her on that. We were very lucky that we got to do it a bit our own way.”
This decision has allowed Zara to pursue her equestrian career and other ventures independently.
Despite not working royals, Zara and Mike Tindall have grown in popularity in recent years.
According to YouGov polling, Zara consistently ranks as the sixth most popular royal and the eighth most popular public figure in the UK, surpassing even Queen Camilla.
Zara Tindall horse riding in an equestrian competition
PA
This surge in popularity has led to calls for the Tindalls to take on a more active role within the Royal Family.
Former Downing Street head of press, Giles Kenningham, commented: “The Tindalls work very well on that level – they have had their own careers, they are independent financially and they conduct themselves well. You certainly don’t see them staggering out of the back of bars.”
Their relatability and independent lifestyle have made them appealing to the public, with some viewing them as potential assets to the monarchy’s image.
The Tindalls’ commercial success has been significant, with the couple reportedly worth around £30million.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Zara Tindall is estimated to have accumulated £15million
PA
Zara is estimated to have accumulated £15million through her sporting career and endorsements.
Mike, a former rugby union player, has diversified his income through TV appearances, including a stint on “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here”, and brand partnerships.
A former royal aide told The i: “The point I would make about [Zara Tindall] is that she is a successful woman on her own terms and without that she would have attracted none of these arrangements. The same goes for Mike Tindall.”
Their financial independence from the public purse has been cited as a key factor in their success and popularity.
This self-sufficiency, combined with their approachability, has led some to suggest they could be “PR gold dust” for the Royal Family.
