7 Things to Know About Mike Tindall
The former professional rugby player is married to Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Zara Phillips.
Mike Tindall makes history as he becomes the first member of the royal family to compete on I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! The British survival reality TV show films in Australia, and each cast member undertakes challenges to secure food and other advantages for the group—and tries not to get voted out by viewers.
Here, what to know about the rugby player turned royal dad of three:
Tindall was born in Otley, in West Yorkshire, England, on October 18, 1978.
He became a professional rugby player at age 18, joining Bath Rugby in 1997.
He married Queen Elizabeth II's oldest granddaughter, Zara Phillips, in Edinburgh on July 30, 2011.
Phillips is the only daughter of Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. "I've never been in love before," Tindall told Hello! back then. "But Zara is the love of my life. No doubt."
During an episode of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Tindall opened up about their first date. "First actual date, just went out for lunch locally. And ended up being quite a boozy one. Then we figured out that we both quite like getting smashed. It was a good start."
The Tindalls have three children together.
Mia, Lena, and Lucas Tindall are three of the Queen's youngest great-grandchildren. Little Lucas arrived most recently in 2021. Tindall spoke about his happy news on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast.
Tindall retired from professional rugby in 2014
"After 17 years it’s time to retire from rugby," he tweeted on July 15, 2014. "I have been lucky to play with/against some great players, two great clubs and had some amazing times. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through my career!" Since then, he has hosted sporting events to raise money for charity.
He had the Duke of Sussex have been great friends since meeting in 2003.
"When I saw they were getting married, I did text Prince Harry and said, 'I've written my speech, I'm ready," Tindall told British radio show hosts earlier this year. "And he said, 'Sorry mate that job's full but I do need someone to show people where to park their cars.'"
Pictured: The Tindalls pose with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in London on September 12, 2014.
Tindall has reportedly broken his nose at least eight times.
He later underwent surgery to have it straightened, according to the Telegraph.
He is the first royal to compete on a reality TV competition.
"I am fully aware that anyone who has ever played rugby will go, ‘Yeah let’s stitch him up’," Mike told ITV. "All my friendship group has that sort of humour and I know they will definitely want to vote for me! I am prepared to do quite a lot of challenges.”
Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene.
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