**Royal Traditions: The Unseen Rules Behind Titles and Gifts**

In a fascinating twist of royal tradition, it has come to light that Zaretindol, the spouse of Princess Anne's daughter, was barred from receiving a wedding gift that was cherished by Kate Middleton.

This peculiar rule is rooted in centuries-old customs surrounding royal titles and gifts, highlighting the complexities of royal life.

The backdrop to this story begins on April 29, 2011, when Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey.

Their wedding was a grand affair, celebrated by millions around the globe.

On this momentous day, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon William the prestigious title of Duke of Cambridge, while Kate became the Duchess of Cambridge, marking their entry into royal life with significant honors.

Just a few months later, on July 30, Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall, married England rugby star Mike Tindall at Kinnagate Kirk in Edinburgh.

Unlike the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Tyndalls did not receive any royal titles upon their marriage.

This discrepancy raises questions about the criteria for royal peerages and the traditions that govern them.

The press secretary for the late Queen made a notable announcement on William's wedding day, declaring his new titles: Baron Carrickfergus, Earl of Strathearn, and Duke of Cambridge.

This conferred upon him the status of His Royal Highness, a title that comes with significant responsibilities and privileges.

When Kate married William, she automatically became Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.

This pattern continues within the royal family; for instance, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were similarly granted titles after their wedding in May 2018, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Interestingly, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as Peter Phillips, Zara's brother, were not awarded peerages upon their marriages.

This is largely due to a longstanding tradition that stipulates only the sons and grandsons of reigning monarchs are eligible for such titles.

Princess Anne herself had previously opposed the idea of her children holding royal titles, a stance that Zara has publicly supported.

In a candid discussion on Rob Barrow's podcast, Total Sport, Zara expressed her gratitude towards her mother for not bestowing titles upon her and her brother.

She reflected on the independence it afforded them, stating, “I really commend my mother for not giving us any titles because, from my perspective, I was obviously very lucky.”

Zara and Mike Tindall currently reside at the Princess Royal's Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, raising their three children—Maya, Lena, and Lucas.

Their approach to royal life emphasizes a balance between privilege and personal responsibility, a sentiment echoed by Princess Anne.

It is essential to note that neither Zara nor Peter received HRH titles at birth, primarily because their father, Captain Mark Phillips, was not a royal.

According to royal regulations, only the offspring of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales and the grandchildren of the monarch's sons automatically qualify for HRH titles.

While Zara and Peter were offered courtesy titles by the late Queen, their parents chose to decline them.

This decision has sparked conversations about the implications of royal titles.

In a 2020 interview with Vanity Fair, Princess Anne reflected on her choice, suggesting that many would agree there are downsides to having titles.