In a recent interview, Mike Tyndall shared some heartfelt insights into his special relationship with Princess Anne, shedding light on the affectionate way he refers to her in private.
Tyndall, a former rugby star, is married to Zara Tyndall, Princess Anne’s only daughter.
Their journey together began in 2003, and since then, they have welcomed three children: Mia, 10, Lena, 6, and Lucas, 3.
During an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Tyndall, along with fellow rugby player James Haskell, discussed their podcast, “The Good, The Bad and The Rugby.”
It was during this chat that Tyndall reflected on the decision to invite Princess Anne as a guest on their show.
He emphasized how remarkable his in-laws are, especially in the context of rugby, which has faced its share of challenges recently.
Tyndall believes that the sport not only cultivates exceptional individuals but also brings together people from diverse backgrounds.
Tyndall revealed that he affectionately refers to Princess Anne as “Ma’am” and sometimes just “Anne.”
His integration into the royal family has been smooth, and he has previously spoken about the warmth and kindness he has experienced from them, particularly from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In a 2021 interview with The Telegraph, he expressed gratitude for the welcoming nature of the royal family, stating, “I can only say how kind they’ve been to me, and how welcoming they’ve been since I joined the family.”
His admiration for the royal family extends beyond Princess Anne and the late Queen.
Tyndall has developed a friendly rapport with the Prince and Princess of Wales as well.
Notably, he has playfully commented on Kate’s rugby skills.
After her training session at Twickenham in 2022, he was eager to hear how she performed, intending to poke fun at her in their family WhatsApp group.
In a light-hearted moment on his podcast, Tyndall recounted how he texted fellow rugby player Ellis Genge, asking him to spill the beans on Kate’s performance.
Genge responded that she was actually quite impressive, particularly with her kicking skills.
Tyndall’s playful competitive spirit shone through as he jokingly lamented, “I was like sighs,” when he heard the good news.