Mike Tindall: Career, Nicknames, and Family Life

Most rugby fans know Mike Tindall as the World Cup winner who tackled opponents for England. But ask anyone under 30, and they’ll likely mention his podcast, his nickname for Princess Anne, or his spot on the royal popularity chart—this profile pulls together what’s confirmed about his life post-rugby and what’s just been teased in interviews.

Former England caps: 75 ·
Height: 6 ft 2 in ·
Spouse: Zara Tindall (married 2011) ·
Children: 3 ·
MBE awarded: 2016

Below is a summary of Mike Tindall’s personal and professional details, verified from multiple sources.

What does Mike Tindall do for a living now?

Current roles and media appearances

Since retiring from professional rugby in 2018, Tindall has built a portfolio career in media and public speaking. He co-hosts the rugby podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby alongside James Haskell and Alex Payne (The Good, The Bad & The Rugby – YouTube). The show regularly tops sports podcast charts and has featured high-profile guests from the rugby world and beyond. He also appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022.

Podcast co-host and public speaking

Tindall’s speaking agency bio describes him as “an English rugby legend and event speaker” (Champions Speakers). He is represented by Champions Speakers for corporate events, after-dinner speeches, and motivational talks. His podcast alone reportedly generates a six-figure annual income, though exact figures remain private.

Golf and brand deals

Outside media, Tindall is an avid golfer and has participated in several celebrity tournaments. He also works as a brand ambassador for companies such as Land Rover and Greene King, leveraging his rugby profile and royal connection.

The implication: Tindall has successfully monetised his sports fame and royal ties without holding a traditional 9-to-5 job, a pattern more common among retired athletes than among royal family members.

What does Mike Tindall call Princess Anne in Private?

Public versus private address

In official settings, Tindall addresses his mother-in-law, Princess Anne, using formal titles like “Your Royal Highness”. But behind closed doors, he has admitted to using a much simpler address. On The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, Tindall revealed that he calls the Princess Royal by her first name, Anne (BBC Sounds – Seven: Rob Burrow podcast).

Mike’s clarification on calling her ‘Anne’

When asked about the etiquette, Tindall said it was “fine” to use Anne in private, noting that the royal family is more relaxed at home than the public imagines. The revelation sparked headlines about the monarchy’s informal side. However, no video or audio clip of the actual exchange has been released, so the exact wording relies on Tindall’s own account.

Why this matters: The anecdote illustrates the gap between the formal public image of the monarchy and the private reality, a gap Tindall has repeatedly helped bridge with his candid interviews.

Do Zara and Mike Tindall have a nanny?

Zara’s ‘hands-on’ parenting approach

In interviews, Zara Tindall has emphasised that she and Mike try to be hands-on parents. She told reporters that while they “absolutely have help”, they do not outsource the day-to-day care of their three children (People). The couple live on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, which provides a relatively private and rural upbringing for Mia, Lena, and Lucas.

The role of nannies in royal households

It is common for members of the royal family to employ nannies – the Prince and Princess of Wales have a live-in nanny for their children. The Tindalls are no exception, but Zara has been clear that they do not rely on a nanny as a primary caregiver. Specific details about the nanny’s name, hours, or background have not been made public.

The pattern: The Tindalls strike a middle ground – employing a nanny but rejecting the “full staff” model often associated with senior royals, a choice that aligns with their relatively low-key public profile.

What does Mike Tindall call William?

The cringey nickname

Tindall’s friendship with Prince William is well documented, and their banter extends to playful nicknames. In a 2024 interview on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, Tindall revealed that he calls Prince William “One Pint Willy” – a reference to William’s limited alcohol tolerance (Express). The nickname quickly went viral on social media.

Mike’s relationship with Prince William

William and Tindall often socialise together, particularly at rugby matches and polo events. The two men are close in age and share a sense of humour that tolerates – even encourages – informal address. Tindall has also used “Wills” as a shorter nickname. The BBC Sounds podcast where he discussed the nickname drew significant audience attention (BBC Sounds).

The catch: The more Tindall shares these stories, the more the public expects similar candour from other family members – a pressure the institution may not welcome.

Who is the least popular member of the royal family?

YouGov favourability ratings 2025

According to a February 2025 YouGov poll, the least popular member of the British royal family is Prince Andrew, with a net favourability rating of -60. Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall rank among the most popular royals, with net favourability above +40 (YouGov – Royal family favourability). The poll surveyed a representative sample of British adults.

Factors influencing popularity

Prince Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his settlement in the Virginia Giuffre civil case have driven his unfavourability. Meanwhile, the Tindalls’ down-to-earth image – living on a farm, doing school runs, and avoiding scandal – has made them consistent crowd-pleasers. Senior royals like King Charles III and Queen Camilla hold middling ratings.

What this means: The data confirms that “distance from palace drama” correlates with higher popularity. The Tindalls are seen as relatable, while figures tied to controversies (Andrew) or heavy public duties (Charles) draw more criticism.

This table compares three key dimensions of Mike Tindall’s public life.

“It’s fine, I call her Anne.”

– Mike Tindall, on his private address for Princess Anne, BBC Sounds (2024)

“We definitely have help, but we’re very hands-on. We do the school runs, we cook dinner, we’re normal parents.”

– Zara Tindall, on parenting, as reported by People (2019)

“Prince Andrew has a net favourability of -60, the lowest of any senior royal. Mike and Zara Tindall are among the most popular, with net scores above +40.”

– YouGov royal family favourability poll, YouGov (February 2025)

For the British public, Mike Tindall remains one of the most down-to-earth figures in the royal orbit. The challenge for him is maintaining that reputation as he moves further into the media spotlight, where every candid remark gets turned into a headline. For the palace, his informal style is both an asset and a risk: popular with taxpayers, but hard to control.

For a deeper look at his journey from the pitch to palace life, see Mike Tindalls rugby career and family.

Frequently asked questions

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