Zara and Mike Tindall will be a huge "support" for Prince William when he becomes King

Royal commentator Jennie Bond told OK! Magazine: "As the years go by, I think they'll be a highly valued support for William when the time comes for him to be King. They are both very close to William and if he calls on them, they will definitely agree."

It has been suggested that accomplished equestrian Zara could take on a role running royal horse racing, something William doesn't have a huge interest in.

Jennie said: "There will be so many demands on William's time when he is King that I think it's a brilliant idea - if the reports are to be believed - that he might hand over racing matters to Zara. Like her mother, Princess Anne, she lives and breathes horses - she's also extremely glamorous and well-liked, it would be a perfect fit."

And, William is said to rely on his close friendship with Mike, particularly as his relationship with his brother Prince Harry has been fraught since Harry and his wife Duchess Meghan stepped down as senior royals in 2020.

Jennie said: "Mike is increasingly the brother William no longer has - they are really first friends and big huggers.

"Zara and Mike are equally professional, dressing up for the occasion and playing their part, but they bring a lightness of touch and a sense of fun to almost everything they do."