Mike Tindall has worn many hats over the years. Since marrying Zara, Princess Anne’s daughter in 2011, the former England rugby player has expanded his career into podcasting, reality television and hosting numerous charity events. Now Tindall has embraced yet another role, that of “fun uncle” to Prince George.
In his upcoming book, The Good, The Bad and The Rugby – Unleashed, Tindall shares anecdotes from his rugby career while offering several charming insights into life with the Royal Family. One such moment highlights his bond with Prince George.
The 46-year-old Tindall confirmed he and Prince George were close, revealing the pair had played football “numerous times in the garden”.
Tindall also revealed that the 11-year-old Prince was a passionate fan of Aston Villa, the same team his father Prince William supports.
“Wherever he is, he’ll sit down and watch that game,” Tindall wrote.
The “fun uncle” role Tindall plays in young George’s life has been noted before after body language expert Judi James told Fabulous magazine how “Mike’s presence in his life is completely invaluable”.
“George’s original ‘fun uncle’ and adult playmate did that infamous bolt to the US, leaving a huge Harry-shaped gap in the young boy’s life that Mike has more than filled,” James told the publication.
“Mike is the fun uncle everyone needs, but in the case of Prince George, whose destiny is all about duty and responsible behaviour, Mike’s presence in his life is completely invaluable.”
Elsewhere in Tindall’s book, he reflects on his experience with the Royal Family.
“Believe it or not, marrying into the Royal Family was pretty easy for me,” he wrote, as per GB News.
“They were always nice to me, and I was always nice to them. Simple really.”
Tindall also offered some kind words for his mother-in-law, Princess Anne, providing some insight into the nature of their conversations.
“With Princess Anne, it’s the conversation we have about rugby at Gloucester, or about Scotland after every Six Nations game,” he wrote.
“A lot of the time, it will be about a player. She’ll say to me, ‘Should he not be doing this more?’ And I’ll think, ‘You’re actually not that far off’.”