In a recent revelation, Mike Tindall opened up about his experiences within the royal family, shedding light on the more relatable aspects of royal life.
Since marrying Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, in 2011, Mike has had a front-row seat to the often misunderstood dynamics of royal family gatherings.
His latest book, co-authored with James Haskell and Alex Payne, titled The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, Unleashed, was released this Thursday and offers readers an intriguing glimpse into his life among royalty.
While much of the book revolves around sports, Mike dedicated an entire chapter to his experiences with the royal family.
He paints a picture of a family that, despite their public persona, shares many characteristics with any ordinary household.
This perspective is refreshing and contrasts sharply with the usual narratives surrounding royal life.
In the book, Mike fondly reminisces about cherished moments spent with the royal family, particularly during a memorable vacation in Scotland.
It was there that he captured a touching photograph of his daughter Mia enjoying lunch with her great-grandfather, Prince Philip.
Taken just a year or two before Philip’s passing in 2021, the image encapsulates the warmth and intimacy of family life, something often overshadowed by royal duties and public appearances.
Mike describes the scene: “My daughter Mia, sitting with the Duke of Edinburgh, is a wonderful photo that perfectly encapsulates those afternoons.” He emphasizes that the royal family, despite the surrounding chaos, shares a bond that is deeply rooted in love and togetherness.
Their lunches, often held outdoors in the Scottish highlands, were relaxed affairs, showcasing the family’s more casual side.
Beyond meals, Mike highlights how the family would gather to watch television, creating a sense of normalcy amidst their royal obligations.
He recalls his enjoyment of watching horse racing with the late Queen, dispelling the myth that royals live in an entirely formal world.
“I am occasionally asked if the Queen engaged in informality like normal people, and the answer is yes,” he notes, drawing parallels between royal family life and that of everyday families.
His reflections also touch on the ease of his integration into the royal family, a sentiment that sparked some debate.
While Meghan Markle famously suggested that joining the royals was fraught with challenges, Mike offers a contrasting view.
“Believe it or not, marrying into the royal family was pretty easy for me,” he writes, highlighting the kindness he received from his in-laws.
At 46, with three children, Mike credits his positive experiences to mutual respect and kindness.
“I was always kind to them and they were always kind to me; it’s just that easy,” he asserts, challenging the narrative of royal life as being overwhelmingly complicated or exclusive.
