Mike Tindall reveals he and Prince George play ‘football in the garden’ together – and sheds light on Kate Middleton’s favourite sport

Mike Tindall has revealed his close bond with Prince George and even shed light on the Princess of Wales’s favorite sport.

The former rugby player, who is married to King Charles’ niece Zara, is known to have a close relationship with the young royal family. He received a loving haircut during the Christmas service in December.

In a new interview with The Telegraph To promote his podcast The Good, the Bad & the Rugby with James Haskell and Alex Payne, Mike noted that George “loves” playing football and like his father Prince William, is a big Aston Villa fan.

He also shared a sweet insight into his relationship with the 11-year-old, saying that they often play the game together.

Mike, 45, told the newspaper: ‘George loves football. I played with him in the garden countless times.

‘He is also passionate about Aston Villa. Wherever he is, he’s going to sit down and watch that game.”

And giving an insight into the Princess of Wales’s favorite sport, he added: ‘They are just a family who love sport. Catherine loves to run.”

The Princess of Wales has op previous assignments have included abseiling, tennis, football and even a running race with her husband Prince William and his now estranged brother Prince Harry.

In recent weeks she has been slowly but steadily returning to her duties after completing her chemotherapy treatment, visiting victims in Southport with her husband and meeting teenager Liz Hatton at Windsor Castle.

Football fan George has attended a series of football matches with his father in the past, including an Aston Villa match in April and the European Championship final in July.

Prince William is known to enjoy a ‘bromance’ with Tindall – so it’s no surprise that Mike is also close to his eldest son.

Speak with The times earlier this year, a royal source called Mike, 45, and Zara, 43, the “glue of their generation of royals, no matter how serious the occasion.”

“They can help take the family’s mind off the seriousness of what is going on,” she added.

‘Although some family members can be very ‘royal’, Mike is just himself and is relaxed and playful with George, Charlotte and Louis.

‘It helps that they all have kids around the same age, who they can mess around with in private and bring a sense of normalcy to a stressful situation for everyone involved.’

Mike interviewed William last year for his podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby.

There, the Prince of Wales revealed that Zara’s equestrian victory was the only time he had been moved to tears while watching sport.

During the discussion at Windsor Castle, the father-of-three said: ‘The only time I’ve ever cried watching sport was when Zara won. I think it was the European Championship.

‘I was camping in Exmoor at the time. We were all on the phone watching it. She was there, she bluffed, the flag went up. I was in pieces.’

William’s wife, Kate and Zara’s mother – William’s aunt – Princess Anne also took part in the podcast, herself an experienced equestrian.

Continuing the discussion, Kate said, “I remember because you came back and said I’ve never been so proud of someone.”

William grew up with his brother Harry in Gloucestershire, just a few miles from where Zara and her brother Peter Phillips grew up. The four royal cousins ​​were often spotted chatting and joking at royal events.

Mike Tindall and William may seem like an unlikely couple, but the pair are often made fun of at royal events and can’t resist a hug when they see each other in public.

William, heir apparent, was educated at Eton before completing his studies at St Andrews. He prefers football to rugby, which was more his brother Harry’s sport.

Mike attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield and became a professional rugby player for Bath at the age of 18.

Yet the pair are also hands-on dads and enjoy catching up at the polo or the races, where they often give each other warm greetings, as captured on camera.

William and Mike have been photographed attending various public events, with the ex-England rugby player joining the royal family at polo matches in the past.

It’s clear the two are on such good terms that Mike felt comfortable enough to make fun of the future king in a recent podcast, saying he calls the heir to the throne “One Pint Willy” because “he’s not the best drinker is’.

Both have also been together with their wives for almost 20 years – Tindall was 25 when he and Zara were introduced at the 2003 World Cup. William and Kate met at university.

It looks like Zara and Kate are both getting along well as there are plenty of photos of the couples hanging out as a quad and the two moms captured giggling together or deep in conversation at events.

A touching moment between the duo came during the 2012 Olympics, when Kate enthusiastically waved to Zara, who won a silver medal as part of the eventing team.

Zara in particular also has a close bond with her cousins ​​Eugenie and Beatrice, who she often hugs and pecks at at high-profile royal events.

Social media shy Beatrice made a rare post on X in 2022, to show her support for Mike’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! stint, calling her cousin’s husband “the greatest.”

Mike has also had quite a bit of fun with the royal family members – that same year he joked about his wife and Eugenie’s colorful dresses in a humorous Instagram post comparing them to Starburst packaging.