Zara and Mike Tindall to 'support' William and Kate's 'decision over Beatrice and Eugenie' amid Epstein scrutiny
The Prince and Princess of Wales share a close bond with the Tindalls
Zara and Mike Tindall are expected to stand firmly behind Prince William and Kate Middleton if difficult decisions are made regarding Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, a royal commentator has said.
Zara and Mike have long shared close relationships with both the Prince and Princess of Wales and the York sisters.
However, the ongoing fallout from the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein scandal has placed the wider royal family under pressure, and could force difficult decisions in the months ahead.
In the latest news surrounding Beatrice and Eugenie’s father, Andrew, the former prince was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The specific details of the allegations of misconduct being investigated are unknown.
But he has been accused of sharing sensitive and confidential documents with Epstein in 2010, when he was Britain’s trade envoy.
Zara and Mike Tindall will ‘support’ Prince William and Kate over Epstein scandal
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said that if tensions escalate, the Tindalls’ loyalty would ultimately lie with the future king and queen.
“If it came to choosing, Zara and Mike would naturally support William and Catherine,” he told the Daily Mail. He added that their loyalty, like that of Princess Anne, is “first and foremost to the monarchy at all times.”
The latest Epstein files have placed Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie under intense public scrutiny too, despite neither being accused of wrongdoing.
Beatrice and Eugenie were reportedly referenced in the latest batch of files released on January 30.
If it came to choosing, Zara and Mike would naturally support William and Catherine.
Emails alleged to be from their mother, Sarah Ferguson, appear to show her calling Epstein a “legend” and “like a brother”.
The documents also suggest Ferguson visited Epstein in Miami after his 2009 release from prison. Beatrice and Eugenie, who were then aged 20 and 19, were allegedly present.
Fitzwilliams noted that the sisters now find themselves caught in a deeply uncomfortable position.
“Beatrice and Eugenie are now drawn into the line of fire,” he said.
He also acknowledged the complexity of their situation, noting there is “sympathy for them”. However, their parents’ association with Epstein has created unavoidable fallout.
Sources close to the sisters have said they are “aghast” and “mortified” by the emails and images linked to Epstein.
Zara and Mike Tindall
Unlike working royals, Zara and Mike do not hold titles and have built highly successful commercial careers.
Their popularity with the public has helped them maintain a strong and relatable image, something Fitzwilliams said they would be keen to protect.
He added that their professional and public standing could influence how closely they are seen aligning with other family members. He added: “Their public appearances with the sisters may, depending on what is released, alter or even cease.”
Zara has long shared a close bond with her cousins Beatrice and Eugenie. Their closeness was highlighted when Zara’s son Lucas and Eugenie’s son August were christened together at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
However, Zara has also maintained a strong relationship with Prince William.
Meanwhile, Prince William is said to be prepared to take a firm stance if necessary. He now looks ahead to his future role as monarch.
The Andrew and Epstein scandal has already forced the royal family to make difficult decisions. Last October, King Charles shocked the public when he chose to strip his younger brother, Andrew, of his royal titles and honours.
Read more: How King Charles ‘put William in his place’ over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
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