Zara Tindall opens up about missing Her Majesty, saying her death has left ‘a huge hole’

Zara Tindall says she still misses her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, who passed away in September 2022.

“When you’ve got someone who’s a huge influence in your life, it leaves a hole,” she told The Australian Women's Weekly. “All of us are so lucky to have had her for so long.”

The 42-year-old daughter of Princess Anne, who is a professional equestrian and Olympian, also spoke about the special bond they shared over horses.  

“She very much knew what was going on in my career as I was growing up, you got to see her real passion and love for horses and that side of her.”

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Her Majesty had a great affection for horse racing and was a respected horse breeder with an extensive and thorough knowledge on various breeds. 

Zara, who is married to former rugby player Mike Tindall, also said she is happy that her three kids – Mia (9), Lena (5) and Lucas (2) – got to meet the late queen.

Zara with husband Mike Tindall and their daughters, Mia (left) and Lena, at the traditional Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in April. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Zara and Her Majesty share a laugh in the royal box as they watch the racing at Ascot in 2007. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)

The royal with her young son, Luke, at the Festival of British Eventing in Gatcombe Park in Stroud, England, last year. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)

“Lucas doesn't remember much, but the girls do, very much. To have our children, her great-grandchildren, have that influence as well was incredible. It was a very precious time and we’re hugely grateful for it.”

Mike adds, “She was a big part of our holidays and family time.”

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The busy royal also opened up about mom guilt, saying she often feels that she isn't doing enough, but that she knows she has to learn to live with it.

“I’m very part-time now [in her equestrian career]. I’ve only got four horses so hopefully I have enough time to care for my children and still compete. I hope I make better decisions. I definitely don’t go to everything now.”

Zara and her horse, Class Affair, compete in the dressage category of the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, in August. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)

With her cousin, Princess Eugenie, at the inaugural winter gala of Eugenie’s charity, The Anti-Slavery Collective, in London in November. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Zara recently supported her cousin, Princess Eugenie, at her first winter gala for her charity – The Anti-Slavery Collective, which she started in 2017 – and was seen mingling with high-profile guests, including singer Ed Sheeran and Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriend, Cressida Bonas.

“When I had 15 horses I was everywhere and away every weekend but now I very much pick events around the kids and holidays and try to be around as much as I can be,” she said.

Sources: dailymail.co.uk, independent.co.uk