A look inside Prince William’s ‘bromance’ with Mike Tindall: Future King could ‘live vicariously’ through fun-loving ex-rugby star, royal experts claim

The Prince of Wales has bonded with Mike Tindall because the former rugby player lets him ‘vicariously’ enjoy the fun activities that are now off limits to him as future king, a royal expert claims.

Prince William, 41, and former England rugby star Mike, 45, are known to have a close relationship, perhaps especially since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s move to the US.

From bucking royal protocol to bring William in for a hug, to joking about calling his wife’s cousin ‘One Pint Willy’ because ‘he’s not the best drinker’, it’s clear that Mike is feeling the royal stuffiness has broken through – and the heir to the throne loves it.

Speak with The TelegraphRoyal biographer Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, said: Mike Tindall has that kind of sporting camaraderie that would particularly appeal to William, who was once a tomboy himself.’

She added: “Mike becomes funnier under the influence of alcohol and can be totally outrageous. William can no longer do this because he is too aware of his responsibilities. But he can live vicariously through Mike.”

During his younger years, the Prince of Wales was no stranger to partying.

After graduating from university in his early 20s, the young royal was often spotted leaving nightclubs in West London, including Boujis, Mahiki and Bunga Bunga.

Now, as the soon-to-be king, different rules apply and lately William has been the epitome of prim and proper, and at first glance it may not seem like they have much in common.

William, heir apparent and son of the Prince of Wales, was educated at Marlborough before completing his studies at St Andrews.

He also prefers football to rugby, which was very much his brother Harry’s sport.

Meanwhile, banker’s son Tindall attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where he became a professional rugby player for Bath at the age of 18.

Tindall also has a harder time than his wife’s cousin. He has two drink-driving convictions and was once kicked out of the England squad after a night of wild partying in New Zealand.

Even the whisper of such antics would be enough to cause serious problems for the future king.

Yet the pair are also hands-on fathers and enjoy catching up during polo or the races, where they often greet each other warmly.

They have also been together with their wives for almost twenty years. Tindall was 25 when he and Zara were introduced at the 2003 World Cup; William and Kate met at university – and each have three children under the age of eight, who get on well together.

The bond between their children was evident on Christmas Day when Prince Louis held hands with his older cousin Mia on the way to church, while Charlotte also chatted to her.

Meanwhile, MIke took on the role of ‘fun uncle’, playfully throwing an arm around Prince George’s neck as they walked into the church.

At the heart of William and Mike’s friendship is William’s bond with his cousin Zara.

He and Harry grew up 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, with William previously revealing it was ‘hard to keep a straight face’ when sitting opposite his cousins ​​in church.

The bond between cousins ​​is particularly close for members of the royal family, who may struggle to let outsiders into their inner circle.

The bond between the cousins ​​is so strong that they are all part of a WhatsApp group where they exchange messages about upcoming events and family news.

‘Me, my brother and then a few from Zara’s side, like her brother Pete [Phillips] and the cousins ​​are in WhatsApp groups,” Mike once revealed. “I wouldn’t say we’re progressive, but for some reason it’s just easier on WhatsApp.”

On another occasion he added: ‘It’s just what you do to organize meetings and we go to something that is the same.

‘If you go, [we discuss things like] “Are you going to take the kids?” A lot of people have family WhatsApp groups.”

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.

They are also willing to work with the other’s children. Mike was snapped carrying Prince George, ten, on his shoulders, while William gave Mia, nine, a lift.

Zara and Mike also share Lena, five, and Lucas, two, while William and Kate are parents to Charlotte, seven, and Louis, four.

Mia and George seem to get on extremely well and have been spotted together at royal events. Little Miss Tindall also tried to get George and Charlotte’s attention when the Cambridge children arrived at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Thanksgiving service.

Although Zara and Mike have remained tight-lipped about Megxit, their appearance with William yesterday suggests they have been a pillar of strength for him and Kate in the wake of the royal family shake-up.

One royal commentator noted that Zara has been a “pillar” for William.

“William is quite serious by nature, he’s actually quite shy – Zara is kind of a comedic cousin you can turn to where she takes the pressure off everything,” said Victoria Arbiter in the Channel 5 documentary Zara & Anne: Like Mother Like Daughter .

‘That friendship is so authentic, there are dozens of photos of William and Zara together over the years, laughing and joking.

‘There was a time when Prince William held an umbrella over Zara, he protected her from the rain. I think he feels very protective of her and she feels equally protective of him.

She continued: “For William especially, trust is everything, so if you have a cousin who understands what it’s like to be a member of the Royal Family but doesn’t experience the same pressure that comes with it, they can be. a tower of strength and support.

‘It is Zara’s loyalty and total devotion to her family that have made her such an asset to the cousins ​​who have had to endure the negative side of royal life.’