Royal rules are famously rigid, but the one about hugging King Charles is back in the news again. As revealed by a royal author, just one family member can hug the monarch in public. Surprisingly, it is not Queen Camilla, but his niece Zara Tindall.
Royal author reveals that only one royal family member can reportedly hug King Charles in public
Just 21 months separate King Charles and his sister Princess Anne, and the two are known to be very close. And that same warmth seems to have carried on as His Majesty is especially close to the Princess Royal’s kids, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall.
When discussing the Tindalls, royal commentator Robert Jobson told HELLO!, “They are a great success story and are very well liked. Zara is probably the only person who could go up to the King at Royal Ascot and put her arms around him from behind. Meanwhile, Mike has become a trusted part of the family.”
He went on to say that the couple occupies a unique spot. They are connected to the royal family, but are not bound by titles or official duties. Still, King Charles and other senior royals can rely on them when needed. The couple has shown up for occasions like Princess Catherine’s Christmas carol service. They also back Prince William at his garden parties at Buckingham Palace.
Although Zara Tindall does not carry out official royal duties, she is frequently seen with the King, most notably at Royal Ascot. At the June 2026 meeting, they ran into each other and had a touching exchange. She curtsied first, then reached out to touch his arm with an affectionate pat.
A shared love of horses and equestrian events also ties the King and his niece together. Zara Tindall even earned a silver medal with Team GB’s eventing squad at the London 2012 Games. Additionally, she and her big brother Peter Phillips were both at King Charles and Queen Camilla’s wedding in Windsor in 2005. The then Prince and Duchess later attended his niece’s wedding in Edinburgh in 2011.
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory.
