Prince George is reportedly drawing guidance from his godmother Zara Tindall and her husband Mike, who are seen as instrumental in helping the future king maintain a grounded perspective. Royal author Robert Jobson suggests that the Tindalls' lack of deference and their ability to handle both success and failure with levity provide a valuable counterpoint to the pressures of George's impending royal duties.
Jobson noted in comments to the Daily Mail that Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, interacts with George without the formality often seen in royal circles. "Watch Zara with George, and there is no deference in it. She teases him," Jobson said. He added that Mike Tindall, a former rugby union player, uniquely discusses topics like losing with George, a subject others might avoid due to an investment in the young prince's success. "Mike has lost in front of eighty thousand people. He can be funny about it the next morning," Jobson observed, pointing to their relaxed interactions in photographs.
As Prince George, who turned 10 in July 2023, approaches his teenage years and prepares for Eton College, the institutional apparatus for his future reign is solidifying. Jobson posits that the individuals who will shape his character are those who have achieved success on their own terms and do not appear overly impressed by the royal institution itself.
Zara Tindall, a World Champion equestrian, and Mike Tindall, a World Cup-winning rugby player, are highlighted for their independent achievements. Princess Anne's decision to decline titles for her children allowed Zara to forge her own path, culminating in her winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Mike Tindall, despite marrying into the royal family, has maintained a public persona characterized by humility and a lack of pretense.
Jobson emphasized that the Tindalls, who have been married for 15 years and have three children, have managed their public lives without selling access or overtly leveraging their royal connections. He described Zara's ability to transition between public royal engagements and her private life, earning her own living and returning to her equestrian pursuits, as a unique skill. This ability to move between the center of royal life and its periphery without apparent difficulty is seen as a key aspect of her influence.
Mike Tindall has spoken publicly about his close bond with George, noting the young prince's interest in football and his support for Aston Villa. Tindall has shared anecdotes of playing football with George in the garden, highlighting their shared activities and George's passion for the sport.
The Tindall children—Mia, Lena, and Lucas—grow up alongside George and his siblings, Charlotte and Louis, spending time together at royal family gatherings. Their parents' close friendship, maintained away from public scrutiny, further strengthens the family connection. This familial closeness, combined with the Tindalls' personal accomplishments and down-to-earth demeanor, is considered by Jobson to be a significant influence on Prince George as he matures.