Mike Tindall may not be a working royal, but the former rugby player is very much a key member of the Royal Family.
After marrying Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall in 2011, Mike, 46, has been important to the most important Royal events, whether that be weddings, funerals and even King Charles’ Coronation last year.
While the dad-of-three often spends his Christmas Day with the Royal Family at Sandringham with wife Zara and their three children, he is also invited annually to a pre-Christmas lunch with the Royal Family.
This has been held at Windsor Castle for the last few years, however it is expected to be held at Buckingham Palace this year, with Mike likely to be invited.
Although not much is known about the pre-Christmas lunch celebrations, Mike did once shed light on what goes on behind the Palace walls.
Back in 2019, he revealed on a podcast that around 70 people attended the festive lunch, more than usually attends Sandringham on the big day.
He also confirmed that the children attending the celebrations ate separately to the adults.
Speaking about the 2019 event, Hello magazine reported that Mike said: “I didn’t drink actually, this is the other one, the family lunch there must be about 70 of us there – there are seven tables and the kiddies have their own little one in a different room. I was on [then] Prince Charles’ table. It was lovely, really good.”
A number of royals are expected to attend the pre-Christmas lunch this year, including Prince Andrew, who following the scandal about his friendship with suspected spy Yang Tengbo, is now reportedly off the guest list for Christmas Day at Sandringham.
While the Duke of York is now expected to spend December 25 at Royal Lodge in Windsor with ex wife Sarah Ferguson, he reportedly does not want to miss the festive lunch in the week beforehand.
Andrew, 64, has reportedly spoken to friends and vowed that he will be in attendance at the royal lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
A source told The Sun: “[Prince] Andrew told friends that it’s his family and so he should be there. It’s a family occasion. Why shouldn’t he go?”
The Duke of York’s office confirmed last week that while he had once been friends with the Chinese businessman, he ceased all contact with him when concerns were first raised. Mr Yang has denied the claims he is a spy.
