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There’s been so much talk over the last few months about which member of the royal family would step up and take on some engagements after it was revealed that King Charles and the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) had cancer and were receiving treatment.

Well in recent weeks, there’s been chatter that one royal who gets along so well with the entire family and has become quite popular with fans was going to do just that. But now a former royal employee is pointing out why that won’t happen.

King Charles’ former aide says this royal isn’t going to step up; there is no ‘Fab Four’

Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler from 2004 to 2011. During his time working for the monarch and his wife, (formerly known as Camilla Parker Bowles), his duties also included that of valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver. He looked after Prince William, Kate, and Prince Harry as well whenever they stayed at Highgrove House.

Members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour
Members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour | Zak Hussein – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Harrold acknowledged that some believed the York sisters might step up and take on duties to help shoulder some of the burden from the senior royals. But if they opted not to, many royal watchers were almost certain Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, would.

Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Harrold said: “I was starting to think Beatrice, Eugenie, and Zara would start to step up more. But they didn’t make an appearance on the balcony for Trooping the Colour, which suggests to me they won’t be working members of the royal family. I think when there’s a royal get-together, as in social get-togethers, we’ll see them together. They’re all very close to their uncle and he clearly loves having them around.”

When asked if he thought there was any chance Zara would take on duties in the future given the great response she and her husband, Mike Tindall, get from the public whenever they attend events, Harrold opined: “As far as official duties, never say never, but the king started talking about scaling back the monarchy a while ago. I do think that is still the plan. I don’t think they’re the new Fab Four. They are very close to William and Catherine, and we do see humor between them and see them hanging out at events together. But I don’t think they’re the new fab four, very unlikely given what’s happened in the past.” 

Expert says Zara and Mike Tindall are ‘very similar’ to Prince William and Kate

Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024
Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024 | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media and TV as a consultant and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.” He recently talked about how although the Tindalls may not be the new “Fab Four,” they are “very similar” to William and Kate.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Roulette, Stanton explained: “Mike and Zara are very similar to William and Kate. I can tell there is a lot of humor, banter, and sarcasm. They don’t take themselves too seriously and always appear to have a laugh with each other.  We often see them putting on a strong front wherever they go, but they never fail to have fun. They have definitely become more and more involved in the royal family and there is a lot more interest about them as a couple. 

“I think the public are intrigued by Mike and Zara — and that is purely down to how they come across during events and engagements. They really enjoy each other’s company, and there’s a strong level of trust between them. You can tell they treat each other well and stick up for each other when times get hard. They have a really natural rapport and a deep connection.”

Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.