Mike Tindall reflects on time spent with Queen Elizabeth II .
Son-in-law Princess Anne admitted that he regretted not having done more during the time he spent with the late monarch.
«"She was a true icon, and I knew she had a lot of stories, but I never asked," Mike told the publication. woman&home .
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall to Buckingham Palace in 2006. Photo: Anwar Hussain/MEGA
«I held back for a long time, and I always say that was my biggest regret,» the husband said. Zara Tindall .
Until Elizabeth's death in 2022, Mike often sat next to Her Majesty at various events. Once, when a rugby player's chair was placed in front of the table legs, the matriarch attempted to make it more comfortable.
«"I had to make a little turn for the men," he recalled.
«"Then the queen stood up and started pushing the tables closer together! And I said, 'Excuse me, ma'am, but if you push them any closer, I'll speak an octave higher,' and she burst out laughing," the athlete noted.
«"I didn't have to worry about what I was saying to her, and the more natural the better," Mike admitted.
Mike Tindall attended the 2022 Platinum Pageant. Author: MEGA
In 2015, the father of three spoke about how he had to get used to protocol when he first met Elizabeth.
«You get used to it over time, but the hardest part is the beginning, when everything is new,» he said in an interview. The Telegraph .
«"I've been quiet for a long time. It's hard to choose what to say," Mike admitted. "The first time you sit next to the Queen at the dinner table is a very exciting experience.".
Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Performance in 2001. Photo: Jason Shillingford/MEGA
The 47-year-old married into the royal family in 2011 when he and Zara tied the knot.
Since joining the royal family, Mike has become close with Prince William и Kate Middleton .
«"I knew the Princess of Wales was quite the gambling type because I'd seen her play a drinking game called beer pong, but we usually play prosecco pong! She still plays that with us," he told the publication.
«"Sports are an integral part of our family; everyone loves to compete," Mike said. "We even recorded a podcast about how much they love sports.".
Mike Tindall, Kate Middleton, and Prince William attend Easter morning service in 2019. Photo: James Watling/MEGA
In 2023, the former Duchess of Cambridge, the Prince of Wales and Princess Anne appeared on an episode of Mike's podcast, The Good, the Bad and Rugby.
During the episode, the future King of England admitted that he was moved to see his cousin achieve such a major success.
«"The only time I cried watching a sporting event was when Zara won, I think it was the European Championships," William recalls.
«"I was in Exmore at the time, camping. We were all huddled together, watching the livestream on our phones. She was there, sobbing as they raised the flag. I was absolutely devastated," said the proud relative.
Princess Anne, Prince William, and Kate Middleton will appear on Mike Tindall's podcast in 2023. Author: MEGA
Kate added of her emotional husband: "I remember it because you came back and said, 'I've never been so proud of anyone.'".