Mike Tindall has given a unique insight into his close bond with Princess Anne – including what he calls his mother-in-law behind closed doors.
The former rugby professional married Zara Tindall – who is Princess Anne ‘s only daughter – back in 2011. The pair, who met in 2003, now share three children – Mia, 10, Lena, six, and three-year-old Lucas.
On Monday, Mike appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain with fellow former rugby pro James Haskell to discuss their podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.
Explaining why he chose to previously bring Anne on their podcast, he said: “They [his in-laws] were amazing. Rugby has been going through a tough time and we wanted to showcase why it brings people together from all backgrounds, it’s such an inclusive sport, but it also creates great human beings…”
Revealing what he calls Anne, Mike told host Susanna Reid he addresses the Princess Royal as: “Mam”.
Mike has previously spoken about his smooth welcome into the Royal Family, particularly focusing on the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Speaking of the royals back in 2021, Mike told the Telegraph, “I can only say how kind they’ve been to me, and how welcoming they’ve been to me since joining the family. And how they’ve made my family welcome.
“I’ve always felt part of it and I think that’s down to what an amazing woman the Queen is. They’re a fantastic family.”
As well as how close he is to Anne, and previously the late Queen, Mike also shares a close bond with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Discussing Kate’s rugby skills, Mike previously shared how he wanted to find out how well she had played so he could tease her on the family WhatsApp group following her training session at Twickenham back in 2022.
Speaking on his podcast, he said, “I texted Ellis [Genge] and said, ‘Mate, please tell me anything she messed up on’ so I could sort of… family WhatsApp group, get to her, and he said, ‘No she was actually pretty good, and she was really good at kicking,’ and I was like [sighs]. But she has this competitive nature.”
