Zara Tindall takes on 'supporting role' amid cousin Princess Eugenie's family drama

According to reports in The Mail, Zara, 43, is supporting her younger cousin after it emerged Eugenie and her older sister Princess Beatrice would not be attending Christmas with the Royal Family in Sandringham.

Beatrice, 36, and Eugenie, 34, are spending the festive season with their respective in-laws, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank.

This comes as their father, Prince Andrew, and mother, Sarah Ferguson, are also skipping the Royal Family festivities at Sandringham in favour of Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The Duke of York has been wrapped up in scandal due to his "close confidante" Yang Tengbo being banned from entering the UK over allegations that he is a Chinese spy.

Tengbo has strenuously denied the allegations, while Prince Andrew claimed he "ceased all contact" with the businessman in a rare statement.

Last week, Zara and Eugenie were joined by Natalie Pinkham, presenter Di Stewart, and broadcaster Anna Woolhouse for a three-hour lunch at Chelsea’s Mexican restaurant and tequila bar Ixchel.

The pals were carrying several bags as they left the west London venue.

It could be Eugenie’s last get-together for a while with Princess Anne’s daughter, who is set to leave the UK in January for an appearance at the Magic Millions race meeting on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Dressed casually, Zara was wrapped up in a khaki jacket and thick grey scarf, which she paired with skinny jeans and black suede ankle boots.

Eugenie, meanwhile, opted for a green silk skirt and a black turtleneck jumper.

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Zara, in particular, has had a busy festive calendar, attending the Princess of Wales's carol concert on December 6, and then joining her husband Mike Tindall and television presenter Denise van Outen for a Christmas bash.

She and Mike, 46, enjoyed a lively night at the Green Room Experience Christmas party in London on December 14.

Posing for a group shot in a photo booth, Zara donned oversized orange sunglasses while Mike sported an amusing turkey hat.

The Green Room Experience is a company designed to elevate sports events and concerts, for which Mike is an ambassador.