Former Rugby Star Opens Up About Lighthearted Remark and Life Within the Royal Circle
Mike Tindall, former England rugby player and husband to Zara Tindall, has finally broken his silence about a past controversy involving a joke he made about Prince Harry. In the newly released book, The Good, the Bad & the Rugby – Unleashed, co-authored with podcast co-hosts James Haskell and Alex Payne, Tindall addresses the incident that sparked a "minor kerfuffle."
James Haskell recounts in the book how the lighthearted joke took place during a live version of A Question of Sport. Tindall had shared a story about pretending to punch Prince Harry at a post-World Cup final party in 2003 and jokingly suggested the royal family might have wanted to "fill him in for real." While the remark led to some fuss, Haskell clarifies that it was "nothing to write home about."
The controversy resurfaced when Omid Scobie, a biographer known for his support of Harry and Meghan Markle, defended the prince on social media, reigniting public interest and prompting online criticism toward Tindall. Despite the backlash, Tindall remained unfazed, with Haskell noting that Mike "gives zero f***s" about such issues, dismissing the matter as overblown.
In the book, Tindall also reflects on his experiences with the late Queen Elizabeth II and offers insights into life within the royal family. Married for 13 years to Zara, the Queen’s granddaughter, Tindall shares his observations about the "Firm" and the realities of being part of the royal circle, while still maintaining close ties with senior family members like the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Although Mike and Zara Tindall are not working royals, they frequently attend major royal events and continue to play a significant role in the broader family dynamic. In his candid reflections, Mike aims to set the record straight on life behind the royal scenes and the family’s ongoing dramas.
