How birthday boy Mike Tindall went ‘nuts’ at his royal mother-in-law, Princess Anne. (And it was all down to a pair of novelty boxer shorts…)
There are many reasons why you might know the name Mike Tindall.
He is, of course, the husband of Zara Phillips and son-in-law of Anne, the Princess Royal.
Mike, who turns 45 today, has appeared on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! while sports fans know him for his exploits as a member of the 2003 World Cup-winning England Rugby Union squad and joint host of a popular rugby podcast.
Those closer to him, meanwhile, know Mike as a devoted family man – and a truly terrible dancer.
During his appearance on I’m A Celebrity, he shared a hilarious confession about an awkward encounter with Princess Anne at Zara’s 30th birthday party.
Mike Tindall, married to King Charles’ niece Zara, celebrates his 45th birthday today
Mike said he once ripped his pants at Zara’s birthday party to reveal a pair of boxer shorts with the legend: “nibble my nuts.” Pictured: Princess Anne and Mike in Oxfordshire, 2012
Mike recalled the episode when he took part in I’m A Celebrity last year
He explained: ‘I had on some kind of flares, a full outfit, but it was quite tight, nothing ever fits – the rugby player’s bum and legs! – so I was dancing with my mother-in-law and I did a “slut drop” in front of my mother-in-law.”
Mike continued, “I ripped open my pants right in front of her. Coincidentally, the boxers I was wearing at the time said ‘nibble my nuts.’
Anne, he said, had a ready answer.
“When I turned around, she was gone. ‘Rather not.’
‘I went, ‘I’m going’ and walked away.’
Mike has become accustomed to his own clothing mishaps and carries spare suits with him wherever he goes.
Fortunately, this means the father of three is well equipped for whatever celebrations take place today.
Mike met Zara during England’s Rugby World Cup-winning campaign in Australia in 2003 and the two married in 2011. Today they have three children: Mia, nine, Lena, five, and Lucas, two.
While candidly discussing their first date, he recalled, “First real date, I just went to lunch locally. And it ended up being quite drunk. Then we discovered that we both enjoy being spanked. It was a good start.’
Mike added: “I was at the World Cup, she was watching. I was dropped from the semi-finals. I was done with it so I went for a beer with another guy who was being dropped off and a guy who was passing (in Sydney). They had met her before, they introduced us and we started talking.’
Mike and his wife Zara have no official titles or duties
They have amassed an estimated fortune of £30 million thanks to some clever deals, sponsorships and endorsements.
Mike talked about meeting his wife Zara in Sydney. They discovered that they “both enjoy being spanked” during their “boozy” first date. Pictured: Mike and Zara pose at their Gloucestershire home after announcing their engagement in December 2010
He married Zara in 2011 and together they have three children: Mia, nine, Lena, five, and Lucas, two. Zara, Mike and Princess Anne are pictured at Royal Ascot in 2014
Mia Tindall, Mike Tindall, Zara Tindall and Lena Tindall attend the traditional Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel in April
Mike throws son Lucas Tindall into the air as they attend the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire in August 2022
The England rugby legend is estimated to be the fourth richest former player in Britain and his stint in last year’s I’m a Celebrity… jungle helped him land even more brand partnerships.
Mike has worked with Pueris CBD, Dominoes, Amazon Prime and online trading platform UFXMarkets.
After leaving the sport, Mike also has a company, Kimble Trading, of which he is a director.
He also appears on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, where he discusses all things rugby with fellow former players James Haskell and Alex Payne.