Royals' secret weapon ZARA'S TIME TO SHINE

The new-look palace line-up can see the potential of tapping in to the terrific Tindall

- Judy Kean

She's not a working royal, doesn't have a title, and is thankful that she's been able to lead a relatively normal life. But Zara Tindall may turn out to be the royal family's secret weapon if she's needed to help out due to a shortage of senior members.

The Olympic medal-winning equestrian has never carried out official duties on behalf of her grandmother the Queen, thanks to her mum Princess Anne's desire for her children to not be royal. Anne, 71, turned down HRH titles for Zara, 41, and her brother Peter Phillips when they were born, meaning they've never had to represent the family nor have they collected money from the royal purse.

But the scarcity of senior working royals means some younger non-working members of the family may be put on standby to fill in where necessary. And Zara is seen as a leading candidate, given her popularity and ability to get on with people from all walks of life.

Royal biographer Brian Hoey says Prince Charles may ask his niece for help when he becomes king because he has a great deal of respect for her.

"She is very popular with Charles, and also with William and Harry," says Brian. "If there is a vacancy and they need someone to stand in, Zara would be the right person to do it."