The TINDALL effect

Loved-up, witty and welcoming – is it any wonder every Windsor always looks so happy hanging out with Zara and Mike Tindall? We uncover seven reasons why they're the family's true superstars

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Zara and Mike Tindall are not working royals, but we really wish this fun-loving, hard-working couple were on the Family Firm books. The Olympic equestrian and former England rugby player first met in a bar in Sydney, Australia in 2003 and married in July 2011. They now have three children, Mia, 11, Lena, six and Lucas, three. Recently, Zara charted as sixth most popular royal in a YouGov poll (behind Kate, the late Queen, William, her mum Anne and uncle Edward). Go Tindalls!

Every family needs a funcle!

There was an adorable moment between George and Mike as they left Sandringham's St Mary Magdalene's Church on Christmas Day 2023. The then-10-year-old was walking past crowds of well-wishers when Mike went in for playful headlock and snuggle.

The royal's 'funcle' once confessed he plays the drinking game beer pong with Kate, joking that she needs to work on her technique if she's ever going to beat him. He also talked about William's drinking ability on a BBC podcast, calling him 'one-pint Willy'.

He later admitted Zara joked, 'You're in so much trouble.'

During the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, Mike had lots of fun teasing Louis from his seat directly behind. Throughout the Jubilee, Mike posted several photos on his Instagram account wearing Zara's hats. There's no stopping Funcle Mike!

Zara's loving bond with Uncle Charles