Mike Tindall, husband of Zara Tindall (née Phillips), daughter of Princess Anne, has developed a close friendship with his wife's cousin, Prince William. Despite their vastly different upbringings and backgrounds, Tindall and William have bonded over their similar personalities and outlooks on life.
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Whereas William was raised in palaces as the future heir to the throne, Tindall grew up in a middle-class family in Yorkshire. He skipped university to pursue a professional rugby career, which brought him fame, but also a reputation as a hard-partying jock. William went through wild years in his youth too, but has necessarily sobered into his role as a senior working royal.
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Still, William seems to see in Mike some of the carefree fun he used to allow himself. Tindall has an irreverent, cheeky sense of humor that helps William lighten up. His casual, relaxed way with William's children shows he treats them just like his own. He brings a sense of ordinary family life that William craves amid the formality of royal engagements.
Tindall also fills something of the void left by William's estranged brother Harry. Since Harry stepped back from royal duties and moved overseas, William lost his literal brother and closest confidante growing up. Mike has become the supportive, trustworthy male friend William can be himself around and even commiserate with over Harry's absence.
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The Telegraph reported that William and Kate's rapport and close friendship with Mike and Zara is clear. The two couples let their guard down together, whether reminiscing about memories or engaging in silly banter. Tindall entertains them with the latest self-deprecating stories of his antics. He seems to take an almost big brother role at times, affectionately poking fun at William's receding hairline for example.
Through Mike, William can tap into the less serious, more adventurous side of himself again. Tindall represents the kind of normalcy, authenticity and levity William misses. That's invaluable for a future monarch who carries the weight of duties and protocol everywhere. With in-laws like the Tindalls, the Waleses can unwind and William can simply feel like one of the lads.
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So while William was born royal and Mike married into the family, their natural chemistry has fostered a meaningful friendship. As Mike continues showing up for William in his signature laidback style, their brotherly bond only grows. It's a prime example of how even future kings need to let loose and be understood by those who see beyond their title. For William, Mike offers that respite in spades.
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