Royal rebels 'WE'RE DOING THINGS OUR WAY'

Zara and Mike are calling all the shots as they contemplate staying in the real world or helping out the House of Windsor

- Judy Kean

When it comes to relatives who could help out the short-staffed royal family during a particularly tricky time, Zara and Mike Tindall tick a lot of boxes.

The King’s niece and her former rugby-playing husband are hugely popular and have an array of skills – including dealing with people from all walks of life – that would put them top of the list of candidates who could assist the decimated family firm by carrying out official engagements.

But will they be asked and will they say yes?

Royal experts have pointed out that the King may need to pull in extra support due to the health problems he and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, have been suffering since earlier this year.

His Majesty, 75, is allegedly considering asking his brother Prince Andrew’s eldest daughter Princess Beatrice, 35 – and possibly also her younger sister Princess Eugenie, 34 – to attend some events on his behalf, which suggests he might be looking to extended family to fill the gaps. And despite the fact that she’s never been a working royal, and doesn’t have a title, Zara, 43, along with her husband, 45, would be ideal, suggest royal commentators.