Princess Anne's Son-In-Law Mike Tindall Opens Up on the Possibility of Becoming a Prince
The former rugby star got candid about royal titles in a new interview.


Mike Tindall has never been one for royal formality, and his latest comments prove just that. The former England rugby star, who is married to Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall, recently made his thoughts on royal titles clear in an interview with Closer (via the Express).
Known for his cheeky personality and off-the-cuff podcast, "The Good, The Bad & The Rugby," it should come as no surprise that Mike said if he was ever offered the title of prince, he'd kindly decline. "I would definitely turn that down," he told the magazine.
Even though Queen Elizabeth would have offered them titles, Princess Anne opted not to give one to Zara and her brother Peter Phillips. Because of their lack of titles, Zara and Peter have been able to enjoy a different type of lifestyle and are free to take on commercial deals and other pursuits that their royal counterparts cannot take on.
As Zara's husband, Mike enjoys the same freedom, so it's unlikely he would want to limit himself in terms of being a prince—not to mention it's equally as unlikely that such a title would be offered in keeping with the King's vision of a more slimmed-down monarchy.
Speaking of her decision to give her children a more normal life, Princess Anne told told Vanity Fair, "I think it was probably easier for them, I think most people would argue that there are downsides to having titles." The Princess Royal added that she thought it "was probably the right thing to do."
Mike and Zara Tindall, seen in March 2025, have been married since 2011.
The couple shares three children, including 4-year-old Lucas, seen with his parents in January 2025.
Zara has also discussed her appreciation for her mother's choice, telling "The Total Sport Podcast" that her life has been more free since she's not a princess. "From my point of view, I was obviously very lucky that my mother didn't give us any titles so I really commend her on that," she said.
"We were very lucky that we got to do it a bit our own way," Zara added. "My family has a great work ethic as well which I'm hoping they instilled in me and is still going to this day."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Although the Tindalls might be titleless, they keep plenty busy with their respective jobs. Zara—who takes after her mom in the equestrian department—has competed around the world and brought home a silver medal in eventing at the 2012 London Olympics. She has also served as a brand ambassador for companies like Land Rover, Rolex, and most recently, high-end apparel and footwear brand Fairfax & Favor.
As for Mike, he's now retired from professional rugby and along with co-hosting his podcast, he's starred in advertisements for brands like Amazon (and allegedly made £300,000 for one Domino's commercial alone, per the Sun). The former England player is also an in-demand public speaker and has starred on multiple reality shows, most famously on I'm a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here.
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Ana de Armas Just Revived Fashion's Favorite Sneaker Trend
She found another low-key way to wear it.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
True Life: I'm Obsessed With Bella Hadid's Bags
From Coach purses to Saint Laurent totes, I want them all.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
How to Help Those Who Lost Everything
Stories from the frontlines of natural disasters.
By Rose Minutaglio Published
-
This Royal Was Once Confronted By Palace Police "With Machine Guns" After Drunken Antics
"I was like, "F***!"
By Kristin Contino Published
-
These Royals Could Step Up to Help Prince William When He's King "If He Calls on Them"
Three members of the Royal Family are likely to pitch in with duties down the line.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Zara Tindall Was Nearly Trampled by a Horse in Terrifying Near-Miss Just Months After Mother Princess Anne's Injury
Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter narrowly escaped major injury.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On"
"There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Mike Tindall Says "Pretending to Punch" Prince Harry Got Him into a Ton of Trouble
"Loads of trolls went in on Mike, especially about him wanting to hit a young, defenseless Harry."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince William Is Unlikely to Leave the U.K. While King Charles Is in Australia
"That might not be wise at this particular juncture."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate and Prince William's Uncut Podcast Interview "Would Have Blown the Public Away"
Mike Tindall teases the juicy details that were cut from his chat with the royals.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Wants Prince William and Prince Harry to "Get Along" Before His 75th Birthday
"He wants to draw a line under their past feuds."
By Amy Mackelden Published