Mike Tindall Says Marrying Into the Royal Family ‘Was Pretty Easy for Me’

Mar. 15, 2025

Mike Tindall attends the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 in London, England.Photo:Dan Charity - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Dan Charity - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Mike Tindallsaid that he found marrying into the royal family to be “pretty easy” and “simple, really.”

Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips depart after their Royal wedding at Canongate Kirk on July 30, 2011 in Edinburgh, Scotland.Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

Mike marriedKing Charles’ niece Zara, 43, 13 years ago, and has since grown close to members of the royal family — includingPrince George, 11, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42.

In Mike’sTelegraphinterview, he revealed that George is an Aston Villa fan like his father, William, who has been a longtime supporter of the club.

Mike Tindall and Prince George at the Christmas Day morning church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk on Dec. 25, 2023.Sharon Moore/Bav Media/Shutterstock

Sharon Moore/Bav Media/Shutterstock

“George loves his football,” Mike said. “I’ve played numerous times in the garden with him.”

“He’s passionate about Aston Villa, too,” he added. “Wherever he is, he’ll sit down and watch that game.”

Mike — known for his gregarious personality and for occasionally spilling tidbits about members of the royal family — also said of the Princess of Wales that “Catherine loves her running.” He added of the entire Wales family of five — Kate, William, George,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6 — that “They’re just a family who love sport.”

Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall attend day one of Royal Ascot 2024 at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2024 in Ascot, England.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

“The only time I’ve ever cried when watching sport was when Zara won,” William said. “I think it was the European championship.”

Reflecting on the Princess Royal’s appearance on the show, Haskell wrote in the forthcoming book, “Princess Anne knew more about sport than almost anyone I’ve ever met.”

In that same interview, filmed in the Green Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, Mike said of Kate, “I’m not going to say you’re uber competitive,” before pausing to give a nod indicating that she really was.

Princess Kate coyly replied, “I’m not competitive at all,” to which Mike replied, “I’ve seen her play beer pong!”

Chris Jackson/Getty

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Speaking on the podcastSeven: Rob Burrowalongside Zara (with whom he shares three children), Mike revealed a little known nickname of the future king that also involves a drink —“One Pint Willy,”a moniker given to William because “he is not the best of drinkers,” Mike joked.

At a royal engagement, William later admitted that Mike apologized for revealing the nickname. “When I saw him, I said, ‘Mike, when you’re not going to mention your nicknames doesn’t mean you mention mine. It’s not fair,’ ” William playfully said. “I’m sure it’s quite fun with Mike.”

Mike’s recent admissions weren’t the only time he’s spoken about being a member of the royal family. In a 2021 interview with theTimes, he admitted that being in the royal family “has its benefits and it has its negatives,” he said. “You think about what you do and you have to be aware of it, but it doesn’t necessarily dictate. Zara and I have always been good at getting on with what’s right for us.”

source: people.com