In his new book, Mike Tindall throws some well-aimed shade at Meghan Markle, offering his own defense of the royal family amidst ongoing criticism from Prince Harry and Meghan.
The couple stepped down from their roles as working royals four years ago and have since been outspoken about their experiences, with a Netflix docuseries and an explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey. Additionally, Harry released his memoir, Spare, in January 2023, where he recounted physical altercations with his brother, Prince William, and discussed Princess Catherine's reportedly frosty relationship with Meghan.
In his book, co-authored with James Haskell and Alex Payne, Mike shares that marrying into the royal family was surprisingly easy for him. "They were always nice to me, and I was always nice to them," he quips, highlighting the importance of basic decency. His comments stand in stark contrast to the Sussexes, who, according to Mike, seem to have missed that memo. He also reflects on his podcast experiences, where he's hosted prominent royal figures, including a memorable 50-minute fireside chat with Princess Anne, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Mike humorously recalls an introduction to Prince William, greeting him with, "All right, boss," and admits that his expectations of royal life were slightly off. He had imagined luxurious trays of scones and exotic tarts, but instead was met with a couple of broken biscuits from a family-sized box— a far cry from royal grandeur. Unlike Meghan, who seemed to expect the royal family to cater to her every need, Mike possesses a more grounded understanding of what it means to be part of a family. He sees the royals as people first, and royals second, treating them with respect rather than entitlement.
One of the highlights of Mike’s relationship with the royal family is his bond with his mother-in-law, Princess Anne, whom he praises for their engaging conversations about rugby. The stark contrast between Mike’s down-to-earth demeanor and Meghan’s apparent need for constant validation is apparent. While Meghan portrayed herself as the victim of the royal institution, Mike lives his life with respect and humility, clearly enjoying his family ties without seeking the limelight.
Mike doesn't shy away from calling out what he perceives as Meghan's lack of authenticity. He believes she mistakenly thought dropping her public façade would endear her to the family. In contrast, Mike has maintained a genuine relationship with the royals, marrying into the family out of love, not for fame or fortune. Meghan's journey, on the other hand, appears to Mike as a scramble to capture royal prestige before leaving for Hollywood, where she seemed to believe she would be adored. Yet, as Mike’s life exemplifies, real fulfillment doesn’t come from chasing fame.
Mike's experiences as a former rugby player, with a career that took him around the globe, contrast sharply with Meghan's portrayal of herself as worldly. Mike sees her attempts to present herself as internationally cultured as superficial. His words strike like a blowtorch, cutting through Meghan's carefully curated image and echoing sentiments shared by others, including Samantha Cohen, another former royal insider.
Mike Tindall’s candid take on Meghan Markle is a reminder that authenticity, humility, and respect go a long way. While Meghan sought fame and validation, Mike's genuine approach to his royal in-laws has earned him the warmth and acceptance she seemed to miss. The royal family, as Mike subtly suggests, might just have the last laugh after all.
