Former Rugby Star Sets the Record Straight on Wealth and Offers Insights into Life Among Royals
Mike Tindall, who married into the royal family over 13 years ago through his marriage to Zara Tindall, is sharing his perspective on royal life in his new book, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby – Unleashed. As the husband of Princess Anne's daughter and grandson-in-law of the late Queen, Mike has a unique vantage point, attending major royal events while maintaining a life outside the duties of "working royals."
In the book, co-authored with his podcast partners Alex Payne and James Haskell, Tindall addresses public misconceptions about royal life, particularly the demands placed on senior royals such as King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and his mother-in-law, Princess Anne. "People think that working members of the royal family get up every day, shake a few hands, cut the odd ribbon, and not much more than that," he writes. "But now I’ve seen behind the curtain, I know there’s a lot more to it than that. Being a working member of the royal family is all-consuming; you don’t have your own time or your own space."
Unlike other royals, Mike and Zara have the freedom to pursue independent careers. He has hosted a popular rugby podcast, taken on brand partnerships, and even competed on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! where he offered rare glimpses into his royal connections.
Mike also addresses rumours about his wealth, setting the record straight and explaining how life as a non-working royal allows him and Zara to "do things our way," which suits their family better. Despite knowing the reality behind royal duties, he acknowledges the frustration when public perception doesn’t match up. Yet, he has adopted the family's unofficial motto: "Never explain, never complain."
Reflecting on his journey, Tindall admits, “I try not to think about it, although it took me a long time to get to that point.” His book provides a candid look at the complexities of royal life, dispelling myths and offering a behind-the-scenes view of life within one of the world's most famous families.
