King 'pleaded' with Mike and Zara Tindall not to make life-changing move abroad

11 May 2024 , 13:01

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Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall are both known to be huge fans of travelling Down Under (Image: Getty Images)

A source has claimed that Mike and Zara Tindall’s reported move to Australia may not be permanent, which will come as a huge relief to King Charles.

The couple met in Australia in 2003 and are both known to be huge fans of travelling Down Under, leading to speculation for some time that they could move there for good.

However a royal insider has now said that the Tindalls instead plan to split their time between Australia and the UK rather than moving to the Southern Hemisphere for good.

"Mike and Zara had both been toying with the idea of moving to Australia for a while but have finally reached the decision that it wouldn’t be right to uproot their family at this time,” the source said.

"However, there are plans for the family to spend more time in Australia over the coming years which includes both winter and summer holidays abroad with the children," they told the Express.

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King Charles has expressed his wish to keep his family together (Getty Images)

The news has reportedly come as a source of “extreme joy” for King Charles as he has expressed his wish to keep his family together in the wake of the ongoing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feud.

Mike and Zara's wish to remain closer to Zara's mother Princess Anne and her uncle, and their dedication to the Royal Family have caused them to rethink their decision to move permanently. The Tindalls currently live with their three children Mia, Lena and Lucas on the Princess Royal's Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

"When the idea was discussed seriously during a sit-down, it drew blank faces and teary eyes from several members of the family,” the source continued. It became instantly clear that it wasn’t a move that could ever become permanent. Longer periods of time will be spent in Australia instead."

The insider rubbished claims that Mike had been offered a new role as patron of the Invictus Games as the tournament celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

"It’s utter rubbish. Mike hasn’t been appointed a patron of the Invictus Games,” they said. “He attended a few events with Harry very early on when the foundation first launched, but it’s not something he will take an active role in moving forward."

Former rugby professional Mike previously confessed: "If we weren't so deeply rooted in England, Australia would be our top pick for a home.

"Australians have a great sense of humour, they like a bit of banter, they don't mind having a go at each other, they don't take each other too seriously... and I'm all about that."

Catherine Meyer-Funnell