Insightful Reveals from Mike Tindall's Royal Family Journey with Zara
Discover the candid thoughts of former rugby player, Mike Tindall, on joining the British royal family after marrying Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall From June 2011 to May 2023, follow his journey as he shares his experiences in his own words
After a successful career in rugby, Mike Tindall joined the royal family by tying the knot with Zara Tindall (née Phillips). Zara, Princess Anne's daughter from her previous marriage with Captain Mark Phillips, is the elder sister of Peter Phillips, and one of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's eldest grandchildren.
Upon meeting Zara at a pub in Australia back in 2003, Mike was immediately taken with her, completely unfazed by her royal status.
"I've never been one to plan too far ahead," the ex-rugby player confessed in a June 2011 interview with the Daily Mail, admitting that he had no idea who his in-laws would be when he first started dating his now-wife. "I think my mom was a bit surprised, but both of my parents were ultimately okay with it."
"My grandma was concerned about whether it was the right decision for me to marry into the royal family. For her generation, the royal family holds great significance," he shared during that time. Eventually, Mike proposed to Zara in December 2010 and the couple exchanged their vows a year later at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since then, they have been blessed with three beautiful children: Mia, Lena, and Lucas."
Mike has had the privilege of attending numerous historic events alongside Zara and their children during their royal love story. Together, they have been spotted in the company of the royals at annual Christmas and Easter services, as well as the solemn funerals of the late queen and Philip. Additionally, the couple joined in on several celebratory events in honor of Zara's uncle, King Charles III's coronation in May 2023. During the Westminster Abbey service, the Tindalls were seated in the fourth row next to Peter.
Mike joked on his "The Good, the Bad & the Rugby" podcast that despite being in the hottest spot, they missed out on all the action happening just around the corner of the wall they couldn't see. While it was frustrating not being able to see around the corner, they had the TV to keep up with the events. Notably, Mike and Zara were seated directly behind their cousins - Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie.
"The highlight of the day for me was the impressive display of military footmen in the Buckingham Palace backyard. For six and a half hours, they performed with precision and dedication, culminating in three cheers for the King. It was truly a goosebump-inducing moment."
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Mike Tindall’s Candid Quotes About Joining the Royal Family After Marrying Zara Tindall
From the rugby field to the palace! Former pro athlete Mike Tindall became a member of the royal family after his wedding to Zara Tindall (née Phillips).
Upon meeting Zara at a pub in Australia back in 2003, Mike was immediately taken with her, completely unfazed by her royal lineage. As the only daughter of Princess Anne and her ex-husband, Captain Mark Phillips, Zara is also the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip, who passed away in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Her older brother, Peter Phillips, is also a member of the family.
"When I started dating my now-wife, I never really thought about who her parents were and what their background was," revealed the former rugby player in a June 2011 interview with the Daily Mail. Despite his lack of forward planning, he shared that both of his parents were accepting of the relationship, although his grandmother was a bit apprehensive due to her generation's reverence for the royal family."
In December 2010, Mike proposed to Zara and they tied the knot a year later at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland. The couple now has three children - Mia, Lena, and Lucas. Along with their royal status, Mike has had the opportunity to witness several historic events alongside Zara and their children. They have been seen attending annual Christmas and Easter services, as well as the funerals for the late queen and Philip. Additionally, the couple celebrated Zara's uncle King Charles III's coronation in May 2023.
Sitting in the fourth row at Westminster Abbey during the service, the Tindalls were accompanied by Peter. Mike humorously mentioned in his podcast, "The Good, the Bad & the Rugby," that although they were in a prime location, the real action was happening just out of view around the corner. Despite the frustration of not being able to see around the corner, they were grateful to have a TV nearby.
Mike shared on his podcast that he and Zara were just behind Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie during the event. He also mentioned that the highlight of the day was the military footmen who were in the Buckingham Palace backyard for six and a half hours, cheering for the King, which gave him goosebumps.
Scroll below to read Mike’s most candid quotes about joining the royal family:
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June 2011
Mike, who had been part of the England team for a considerable amount of time, reminisced about how Harry and Prince William would often visit the changing room, which made his mother aware that he had met them previously. As for how he should behave around Zara's family, Mike disclosed that he was never given any instructions. Despite being informed of the proper way to speak when meeting the Queen, no one approached him to advise on his conduct.
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August 2020
Several months after Harry and wife Meghan Markle announced their step down from their duties as senior working royals in January 2020, Mike offered an update on the couple.
"I simply want them to be content with their work and have a harmonious relationship," he expressed during his appearance on Good Morning Britain. "He's stated that his family is his top priority, so it's important to stand by him during these stressful times."
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February 2021
"Belonging to the royal family comes with both advantages and drawbacks," admitted Mike in an interview with The Times. "We must consider our actions and remain conscious of them, but ultimately we make our own choices. Zara and I have always been adept at doing what is best for ourselves."
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April 2021
Amidst the family's mourning, Mike accompanied his wife to the intimate funeral in Windsor following the passing of the late Duke of Edinburgh, who lived to the age of 99. Reflecting on the solemn day, Mike shared on his podcast that although the absence of crowds and social distancing measures due to COVID-19 created an eerie atmosphere, it was the perfect way to honor the Duke's memory as it was in line with his preference for simplicity and lack of fuss.
As they mourned, memories of the deceased were triggered by various items such as his carriage hat, gloves, and even the hat on his coffin, as well as the sword, bugle, and piper present. Despite the sadness of the occasion, the funeral was well organized and the deceased was well taken care of. The speaker expressed hope that the deceased was pleased with the day from above. Due to safety precautions during the pandemic, the family was seated in separate pews.
"She sat alone, a powerful symbol of leadership in a world that can often be chaotic. My admiration for the queen only grew as I watched her. She truly is amazing.”
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February 2022
During his podcast, the former athlete disclosed that the royal family had established their own WhatsApp group chat to exchange messages. Mike recounted a conversation he had with Ellis Genge, informing him to inform him of any mistakes Princess Kate made during a training session held at Twickenham Stadium. He intended to bring up these errors in the family WhatsApp group to tease her. However, Genge reported that she performed admirably, with a particular talent for kicking the ball.
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September 2022
During a recent podcast, Mike shared an amusing story about almost curtsying to King Charles after his ascension. He explained that he was following a routine and walking behind his wife when he saw her curtsy to the king. Without thinking, he almost did the same before catching himself and avoiding an embarrassing moment.
He ultimately managed to “style out” his almost-bow. “I might have looked like I stubbed my toe or something on the floor,” he quipped.
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May 2023
Mike and Zara relished the musical acts during Charles' Coronation Concert, despite Mike's awareness of his subpar dancing skills.
During an interview on Good Morning Britain, Mike acknowledged the challenges of performing on a raised platform under bright lights, admitting that he didn't feel he showcased his best moves. He humorously added that attempting any bold dance maneuvers next to the king might not have been well-received.
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May 2023
In a recent podcast, Mike shared details about his and Zara's seating arrangement during the crowning ceremony. He humorously mentioned that although they were in the "hottest spot," the actual action was happening just around the corner and out of view.
