Now officially a teenager and about to start his secondary education at Eton College in September, Prince George is well and truly grown up. But as a future king, there is one topic that is rarely raised around the Prince and Princess of Wales' firstborn son, except by one family member, a royal expert claims.
Prince William's cousin Zara Tindall was named George's godmother, but her husband Mike Tindall has become "something better" than a godparent to the young royal, author Robert Jobson, who penned Catherine, the Princess of Wales: The Biography, says.
The former rugby union player shares a warm bond with the Waleses and their three children, often joining them for relaxed family outings. The royal author told The Mail that Mike, who faced losses in front of crowds of thousands throughout his sporting career, talks to George about losing.
© GettyHe claimed the subject is one that "nobody else raises" as others are invested in the young Prince winning. According to the royal author, there is "no airs and graces" about Mike, and he claimed that the young royal "worked that out years ago".
© Anwar Hussein, GettyMike's 'hands-on' relationship with the Wales children
Zara and her husband Mike have enjoyed a close relationship with the Waleses, which has been on full display in photographs taken from public family outings.
While walking out from the church service at St Mary Magdelene on Christmas Day 2023, a photographer captured the sweet moment Mike placed an arm around the young royal in an affectionate side hug. Body language expert Darren Stanton told HELLO! that Mike is "demonstrating he has very much a hands-on sort of relationship here" in the candid moment caught on camera.
© Chris Jackson"It's clear that Mike isn't averse to getting stuck in thanks to years of playing physical sports," he added. "It's in Mike's nature to be hands-on and while it's clear from George's reaction here that he's trying to play it cool, you can see he and his 'uncle' have a very fun dynamic between them."
Mike has shared playful moments with his other 'niece and nephew', Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight. During the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the summer of 2022, Mike was on fun 'uncle' duty as he was seen pointing his fingers towards Louis, who is known for his hilarious antics, in an 'I'm watching you' gesture as he seemed to tell the young royal to be on his best behaviour. The move prompted a giggle from Louis and his mother, Princess Kate.
"The bond and rapport that Mike has been able to develop with William and Kate's children demonstrate how the Royal couple have a lot of trust in him and Zara as fellow parents," Darren said.
