A Niece's Loving Embrace: Zara Tindall Hugs Sick King Charles in Heartwarming Greeting at Royal Windsor Horse Trials

King Charles III continues to ease his family and fans' anxiety as he carries on attending public engagements amid his cancer battle. On Friday, May 3, His Majesty attended the Windsor Horse Trials on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where he was warmly embraced by his niece Zara Tindall, who looked overjoyed to see her uncle out and about.

Sporting a substantial parka coat for protection against the elements, the 75-year-old sovereign appeared joyous to attend the third day of the event, merely three days following his return to public engagements.

Every year, the global gathering draws passionate participants to Windsor Castle's grounds for international contests in show jumping, dressage, driving and endurance. This week marked the monarch's first return to public engagements since disclosing his cancer diagnosis in early February. On Tuesday, the King and Queen Camilla visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, where they engaged with patients and staff.

Queen Elizabeth II, in her time, was a frequent attendee of the Windsor Horse Show, held on the grounds of Windsor Castle, often participating as a spectator and occasionally entering her own horses into the event. In recent days, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, along with Princess Anne, have graced the show with their presence. The event, spanning from May 1 to May 5, has seen their royal attendance.

Due to less than a handful of monarchy members fulfilling engagements, royal expert Angela Levin told an outlet in January: "My own view is that he [the King] could have Zara, who is the daughter of Princess Anne, because she and her husband, Mike, who comes also from an ordinary background but fits in beautifully with the royal family. He could do it very well."

"They're very popular, they're very nice, they're jolly, they're honorable, [and] they're loyal to all the royal family. So he could do that," she added. "I think he's trying to save the country money, but it might not be worthwhile. My heart sank when I heard that he was going to hospital. Because the thought of having Harry sort of sign papers and make decisions is too much, it's too much for anyone. It was just too much."

If reports are to be believed, the monarch has been "mulling over" what junior royals to bring into the fold, or rather to just let the Crown float in quiet limbo until both he and Catherine are recovered from cancer.

Although Mike and Zara are popular with the U.K. public, becoming frontline royals is likely not something they would want. "Zara would do wonderful as a working royal, but she was never titled and has lived her life on her own terms," a palace insider claimed.

Daily Express reported on the King and Zara's embrace.