Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne and niece of King Charles III, has been frank about what it’s like to lead a life freed from a royal title. She brings to life the virtues of hard work and independence that her family gave her. Now Zara is 42, she reflects on her childhood. Her mother’s decision to not give royal titles to Zara and her older brother, Peter Phillips, has forever shaped her children’s lives.
Royal titles were also offered to Princess Anne for both Zara and Peter. Her refusal left a decision with permanent consequences for the sisters. Neither Zara nor Peter carry a royal title, and thus, Zara is not seen as a princess. This decision is true to the family’s history, which has not put an emphasis on leaving behind royal titles to children. Standing between Zara and full royal status were her cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who say “royal” title. So too the offspring of her uncle, Prince Andrew.
Zara admits that her mother’s decision shaped her own view about titles. She publicly expressed gratitude toward Princess Anne for not granting her a title, stating, “I’m very lucky that both my parents decided to not use the title and we grew up and did all the things that gave us the opportunity to do.” This sentiment is a reflection of the deep work ethic that is the foundation of Zara’s family.
For more than three-quarters of a century, the Tindall family has earned a hard-won reputation for commitment and grit. As she’s written, Zara thinks most people would support her mother’s decision when it comes to royal titles. As Princess Anne observed, few people would speak in favor of such titles. With some distance, she’s started to believe that maybe stepping back was the right decision after all. This point of view acknowledges the possible downsides of royal titles, which can be both privileged and under a media microscope.
Zara continues to be highly visible. When not busy promoting philanthropy and engaging in other athletic pursuits, she is an avid adventurer. Even had she held any such royal title, her children still would not have been assured of any titles in their own right. This further builds on the narrative that her family values merit over Royalty.
