In his new book, Mike Tindall doesn't hold back from throwing some well-deserved shade at Meghan Markle.
As someone who married into the British Royal Family, Tindall has taken it upon himself to defend them against the constant criticisms from Prince Harry and Meghan, who stepped down as working royals four years ago. Since their departure, Harry and Meghan have remained in the spotlight through their controversial Netflix docuseries, a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, and Harry's tell-all memoir, Spare, released in January 2023. The memoir included details about physical altercations with his brother, Prince William, and the reported frosty relationship between Meghan and Princess Catherine.
In the book, co-authored with James Haskell and Alex Payne, Mike Tindall humorously reflects on his own experience joining the royal family, stating that it was "a walk in the park" compared to what some might expect. He shares that the royals were always kind to him, and he reciprocated with basic human decency—a trait that, he suggests, Meghan and Harry seemed to have overlooked. Tindall’s playful remark hints at the deeper issues that have plagued the Sussexes’ relationship with the family.
Tindall's podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, has featured notable royal guests, including Princess Anne and the Prince and Princess of Wales. In the book, Tindall amusingly recalls introducing himself to Prince William before recording an episode with the words, "Alright, boss," showcasing the informal yet respectful relationship they share. He also humorously laments the difference between his expectations and the reality of royal life, admitting he anticipated lavish refreshments like scones and exotic fruit tarts but instead encountered "a couple of broken Rich Tea biscuits and what appeared to be half a malted milk."
Unlike Meghan, who, according to Tindall, expected the royal family to accommodate her every need, he approaches his in-laws with a grounded and healthier understanding of what it means to be part of the family. He respects them as individuals first and as royals second. He also praises his mother-in-law, Princess Anne, for their engaging conversations, particularly about rugby—something he finds hard to imagine Meghan doing, given her tendency to focus on her victim narrative rather than connecting with the family on a personal level.
Tindall doesn’t shy away from pointing out what he sees as Meghan's lack of authenticity. He claims that Meghan seemed to believe that shedding her public persona would endear her to the royal family, but she struggled to balance maintaining her image with fitting in. While Meghan allegedly chased royal status, hoping to leverage it for fame and fortune, Tindall contrasts his own journey, emphasizing that he married for love, not ambition. He also hints that Meghan’s departure to Hollywood, where she thought fame and adoration awaited her, proved disappointing. She misjudged the fact that not everyone equates fame with self-worth.
Tindall's commentary further underscores the difference in their perspectives. While he has traveled the world as a successful rugby player, fostering friendships and understanding diverse cultures, Meghan, in his view, barely scratched the surface of international experiences. He finds her portrayal of herself as worldly laughable, comparing her to a "dead jellyfish floating aimlessly without a clue." His sharp criticism is, as he puts it, a "royal blowtorch" aimed at the already controversial image of the Duchess of Sussex.
What's particularly entertaining, Tindall suggests, is how his observations resonate with others who have called out Meghan’s behavior. From former royal staff members to those who have publicly challenged her narrative, Meghan's reputation continues to take hits. In Tindall’s witty and candid style, he reminds readers that not everyone is going to cater to Meghan’s desires, and perhaps, in the end, the royal family may indeed have the last laugh.
