In King Charles III's slimmed-down monarchy, the monarch needs as many senior, working royals as he can get, and sources say he has his eyes on making his popular niece, Zara Tindall, a princess. The monarch could technically do so with the stroke of a pen on a Letters Patent, but he reportedly risks angering his sister in the process.
"While Anne has always been a steadfast supporter of her older brother, this is likely to cause some friction between the two", a source wrote.
"There's talk that niece Zara Tindall, 43, who is very close to her uncle (as witnessed by their loving moment at the Windsor Horse show recently) might become more involved in this side of things and that Charles is keen to support such an interest by bestowing on her the title of princess."
"In trying to make life a little easier, could such a move in fact prove problematic for Charles?" they asked.
The sovereign continues to ease his family and fans' anxiety as he carries on attending public engagements amid his cancer battle. On May 3, His Majesty attended the Windsor Horse Trials on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where he was warmly embraced by his niece who looked overjoyed to see her uncle out and about.
Sporting a substantial parka coat for protection against the elements, the 75-year-old sovereign appeared joyous to attend the third day of the event, merely three days following his return to public engagements.
Every year, the global gathering draws passionate participants to Windsor Castle's grounds for international contests in show jumping, dressage, driving and endurance. This week marked the monarch's first return to public engagements since disclosing his cancer diagnosis in early February. On Tuesday, June 11, the King and Queen Camilla visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, where they engaged with patients and staff.
Queen Elizabeth II, in her time, was a frequent attendee of the Windsor Horse Show, held on the grounds of Windsor Castle, often participating as a spectator and occasionally entering her own horses into the event. In recent days, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, along with Princess Anne, have graced the show with their presence. The event, spanning from May 1 to May 5, has seen their royal attendance.
Due to less than a handful of monarchy members fulfilling engagements, royal expert Angela Levin told an outlet in January: "My own view is that he [the King] could have Zara, who is the daughter of Princess Anne, because she and her husband, Mike, who comes also from an ordinary background but fits in beautifully with the royal family. He could do it very well."
Daily Express reported on the source.