An insider has revealed to Woman’s Day magazine that Mike Tindall has become a significant presence in Prince William’s inner circle, akin to a brother, especially since the departure of Harry from Royal duties.
The relationship between William and his cousin Zara has always been strong, but it appears her husband, ex-rugby ace Mike Tindall, has now forged a ‘brotherly’ bond with the Prince.
The source divulged that “Mike’s become a key figure in William’s world and someone he can always rely on.”
Prince William, they say, recognises this support, expressing his deep appreciation: “There’s no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost. He’s proven how loyal he is and Wills knows Mike has his back. He’s so grateful to have him by his side.”
This camaraderie was humorously highlighted when Mike referred to the heir to the throne as “One Pint Willy” during Rob Burrow’s podcast, due to William’s reputed low tolerance for alcohol. Mike quipped: “The Prince of Wales is known to me as One Pint Willy because he’s not the best of drinkers,” adding, apologetically, “Oh my God. It’s out there now. Sorry, Sir.”
Beyond this, Tindall seems keen to be a doting uncle to Prince William’s children, showcasing a tender moment captured between himself and Prince George during the Royal family’s Christmas gathering in 2023, reports the Express.
Body language expert Darren Stanton commented on the rapport observed, during a discussion with Hello magazine: “[Mike is] demonstrating he has very much a hands-on sort of relationship here. It’s clear that Mike isn’t averse to getting stuck in thanks to years of playing physical sports.”
He continued: “It’s in Mike’s nature to be hands-on and while it’s clear from George’s reaction here that he’s trying to play it cool, you can see he and his ‘uncle’ have a very fun dynamic between them.”
Following his reported ‘brotherly’ friendship with Mike Tindall, it was almost exactly five years ago that William’s only biological brother, Harry, dramatically left the Royal Family with his wife, Meghan Markle.
