Prince Harry is reportedly experiencing a growing distance from several members of the royal family since his marriage to Meghan Markle in 2018, and according to royal commentators, this estrangement may also include one of his once-closest relatives: his cousin Zara Tindall.

A royal expert has suggested that the Duke of Sussex has had very limited contact with Zara in recent years, despite the fact that they were once considered very close and shared a strong family bond while growing up. In fact, Harry, now 41, is even believed to have played a role in Zara, 45, meeting her future husband Mike Tindall during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, highlighting how closely connected the cousins once were.

However, according to royal author Duncan Larcombe, speaking to Woman Magazine, that close relationship has largely faded. He claims that Harry and Zara have “barely spoken” in recent years, particularly since Harry’s relationship with Meghan began and later led to their marriage.

Larcombe explained that the once-strong friendship between the cousins appears to have weakened significantly over time. He described the change as a gradual drifting apart, suggesting that what used to be a warm and familiar bond has now almost completely disappeared. In his words, the relationship has “almost entirely evaporated,” reflecting how distant they have become from one another.

Although Harry and Zara are still occasionally seen at major royal events, their interactions appear limited. The last time they were publicly photographed together was at King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, where they reportedly exchanged brief and polite conversation. While this moment suggested no obvious hostility, it also highlighted how rarely they now appear together in public settings.

The sense of distance is also reflected in comments made by Zara’s husband, former England rugby player Mike Tindall. Earlier this year, Mike made a light-hearted but pointed remark during a public appearance that many interpreted as a subtle joke about Harry’s changed lifestyle. Speaking at the Hay Literary Festival in Wales, he said he remembered Harry “when he was fun,” a comment that drew attention because of its nostalgic and slightly teasing tone.

Mike made the remark while appearing on stage with his podcast co-hosts James Haskell and Alex Payne during an episode discussion. He referenced his own wedding to Zara in 2011, joking about how different guests behaved at the event. While the comment was made in a humorous context, it was widely reported because of its implication that Harry’s personality or public image has changed over time.

These remarks, combined with reports from royal insiders, have contributed to the narrative that Harry’s relationships within the wider royal family have become increasingly strained since he stepped back from royal duties and moved to the United States with Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

According to the same reports, Harry and Zara have not been seen together in any significant public capacity since the coronation ceremony in 2023. Even there, their interaction was described as brief, suggesting that while there may still be familiarity, the closeness they once shared is no longer present.

Historically, Harry and Zara were known to have a strong cousin relationship. Growing up within the royal family, they reportedly spent a significant amount of time together and shared similar interests, particularly around sports and outdoor activities. Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne, was never given a royal title in the same way as some other family members, which may have contributed to a more relaxed and informal dynamic between her and Harry during their younger years.

Their connection was often described as easy-going and natural, with less formality than other royal relationships. This closeness was reinforced by shared social circles and overlapping friendships within the wider royal and sporting community. Harry’s introduction of Zara to Mike Tindall at the 2003 Rugby World Cup is often cited as an example of how integrated their lives once were.

However, over time, royal commentators suggest that life changes, geographical distance, and Harry’s evolving public role have contributed to a gradual weakening of this bond. His move away from the UK, combined with his new life in California, has significantly reduced opportunities for casual family interaction.

The broader context of Harry’s strained relationship with the royal family has also been widely reported, particularly his ongoing tensions with Prince William and King Charles III. These wider family difficulties are believed by commentators to have indirectly affected his connection with other relatives, including Zara and Mike Tindall.

Despite this, there has been no public confirmation from any member of the family that relations are formally broken. Much of the narrative comes from royal experts and unnamed sources, meaning the exact nature of the relationship remains private and not fully verified.

Nonetheless, public appearances and commentary suggest that the once-close bond between Harry and Zara has changed significantly over time. Where there was once familiarity, shared experiences, and frequent contact, there now appears to be distance and occasional awkwardness, especially when they meet at formal royal occasions.

Zara’s husband Mike Tindall has occasionally contributed to this public perception through his humour, though his comments are generally understood to be light-hearted rather than critical. Still, jokes referencing Harry’s past personality or behaviour have been interpreted by some observers as reflecting a broader shift in how Harry is viewed within certain parts of the extended royal family.

Harry, Meghan, and their children are expected to travel to the United Kingdom for a short visit in July, primarily connected to Invictus Games-related events in Birmingham. It remains unclear whether any private family meetings will take place during this trip, including whether Harry will see Zara and Mike.

Given the current uncertainty surrounding royal relationships, any potential reunion would likely be brief and informal, rather than a sign of renewed closeness. For now, reports suggest that while the family ties still exist in name, the personal connection between Harry and Zara Tindall has significantly weakened compared to earlier years.