Mike Tindall Opens Up About What It’s Like to Marry Into the Royal Family: ‘I'm Very…'
Former rugby player Mike Tindall has always been passionate about sports, and he's happily married to Zara Tindall, an Olympic equestrian herself. Opening up about both his love for sports and the royal family, Mike recently shared how rugby made joining the royal family feel really natural and easy. In a candid conversation with Sky Sports Golf presenter Wayne 'Radar' Riley for PING during a recent event in Australia, he opened up about his marriage and how being part of the royal family has played out for him.
The interview took place while he and Zara were on a tour Down Under. Reflecting on marrying into a family where sport is second nature, he said, “As a family, they [the royals] are sport-loving." He pointed out how deep-rooted the sporting culture is within the family. As they walked around the course, he added, "With Princess Anne being the patron of Scottish rugby now as well and the Prince and Princess of Wales being England patrons and Wales respectively, I was very fortunate that they knew a lot about rugby and had that sports side to it."
Mike's mother-in-law, Princess Anne, took part in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Mirroring her mother’s achievements, Zara, now 44, claimed the Eventing World Championship title in 2006 and was honored as BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the Daily Mail reported. Being married to a fellow athlete seems to be at the heart of what grounds Mike. “I think it’s something that has worked for us,” he said, comparing his team-sport background with Zara’s focus on individual performance. “It helps us understand each other. You know when to leave her alone because she’s concentrating on cross country or whatever.” He also pointed out that Zara’s love for the sport comes with its own risks: “[It] is very dangerous, ours is dangerous as well, but hers is very dangerous.”
He added that this shared understanding of professional sports has made their relationship stronger. “It has benefited us to help us relax when things aren’t going so well,” he said, pointing out how their athletic routines and mindsets give them a foundation of mutual respect and support.
Meanwhile, the couple is currently touring Australia. Mike recently took part in the British and Irish Lions Legends match at AAMI Park on Thursday, July 24. While the Wallabies walked away with a win, it was a night full of laughs, including a mascot being hilariously tackled. The couple also enjoyed downtime on Hamilton Island. “Queensland definitely has it all. Made some incredible memories,” Mike said.
Though he isn’t royal by birth, Mike has become a key figure within the royal circle. He’s managed to bond deeply with the family, especially with William. Their bromance has reportedly filled a void left by Prince Harry, whose relationship with William remains strained. Royal insiders even say Mike has become a 'replacement brother' of sorts.