Mike Tindall, the former England rugby star and husband of Zara Tindall, has made a series of lighthearted jokes about the Royal Family during an appearance at the Hay Festival. Speaking alongside fellow rugby player James Haskell and TV presenter Alex Payne, Tindall quipped that he remembered Prince Harry 'when he was fun.'
Royal Wedding Memories
Tindall, 47, was discussing his marriage to Princess Anne's daughter Zara in 2011 when he made the remark. He expressed astonishment that Haskell had not embarrassed himself at the wedding, adding: 'A lot of other people managed that way better than you – [like] Harry, when he was fun.' The Duke of Sussex is godfather to Tindall's second daughter, Lena. Tindall was once close to Harry and Meghan, but the relationship has reportedly become strained since the Sussexes moved to Montecito.
Jokes About Prince Andrew
Tindall also took aim at Prince Andrew during the festival in Powys. When Payne suggested that Tindall was so familiar with the Royal Family that he had 'got his own bedroom at Buckingham Palace,' Tindall responded: 'Opposite end to Andrew, though.' He hinted that the subject might land him in trouble, saying: 'Backstage, they were like, "It's being recorded, maybe stay away from [the subject of] Andrew tonight?"'
Haskell's Nose Job Jibe
Haskell also joined in the banter, joking about the corrective rhinoplasty Tindall underwent in 2018 for a broken nose. The former flanker quipped that 'taxpayers' money fixed it' and that it carries the 'royal warrant' on the 'inside.'
Plans for a TV Series
The trio revealed plans for a television series in which they attempt to run Richmond Rugby Club in south-west London. They compared the project to Welcome to Wrexham or Clarkson's Farm. Payne disclosed that Amazon Prime Video is 'interested' in the show. He also noted that The Rolling Stones used to rehearse in Richmond's clubhouse when they were 16, and he hopes to have them perform there, as Mick Jagger still lives nearby.
Princess Catherine Mention
Payne joked that Princess Catherine might even meet the players at Richmond Rugby Club, calling it a 'massive pipe dream.' The Princess of Wales is the official royal patron of both the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League.
