Fans were quick to notice that Zara and Mike appeared to be mimicking a pose from a previous event at Kensington Palace, leaving royal enthusiasts convinced that the couple was intentionally targeting the Sussexes. On May 16th, Harry and Meghan attended the Woman at Vision Awards and were photographed on the red carpet.
In one particular picture, Meghan gazed lovingly at her husband while Zara and Mike were captured striking a similar pose at the Garden Party. With Zara and Mike's renowned sense of humor, loyal fans couldn't help but interpret this as a deliberate troll aimed at Harry and Meghan.
The dissimilarity in Zara's genuine expression compared to what some perceive as a staged affection between Harry and Meghan added fuel to the speculation. As Meghan's adoring gaze at Harry appeared potentially contrived, given their prolonged periods of separation and recent negative comments in the press, Zara and Mike's more authentic looks were seen as meaningful.
This isn't the first time the Tindalls have thrown shade at the Sussexes; earlier this year, Mike playfully jabbed at Harry and Meghan in his YouTube series. Notably, Zara was included in the series, and during their interview, Mike was filmed adoringly gazing at his wife before affectionately calling her "my love." Zara reciprocated the sweet nickname, further fueling the perception that this was a not-so-subtle dig at Harry and Meghan's use of public affectionate terms.
Viewers keenly observed that both Mike and Zara playfully mocked Harry and Meghan's constant use of "my love" and referring to each other by their initials, H.M. (Prince Harry and Meghan). Before the Sussexes' departure from the royal family in 2020, the Tindalls enjoyed a close bond with them and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, forming a quartet known as the Fab Four.
Body language expert Darren Stanton noted that Catherine and William seem to have developed a similar camaraderie with Zara, Princess Anne's daughter, and her husband Mike Tindall. Stanton also highlighted Mike's popularity due to his appearance on "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" and Zara's uncontentious nature within the family, which works in their favor.
Mike and Zara have undoubtedly become firm favorites among the public, exuding a natural and confident presence in their marriage. They are unafraid to playfully joke with each other and openly display affection, making them relatable to others. Stanton further explained that Mike's time on "I'm a Celebrity" showcased their normalcy as a couple, a fact that was apparent during their appearance alongside the royal family on Easter Sunday.
Their laughter and banter outside the church clearly displayed their fantastic dynamic. Stanton concluded that, in the new Fab Four alongside Kate and William, Mike and Zara are enjoying their lives and thriving in their roles.
