Prince George “loves football” and is “a passionate fan of Aston Villa,” according to family member Mike Tindall.
Mike, 45, who is married to King Charles’ niece Zara, is known to have a close relationship with the 11-year-old royal and was seen affectionately ruffling his hair during December’s Christmas Day service.
In his new book, The Good, the Bad & the Rugby: Unleashed with James Haskell and Alex Payne, Mike said: “George loves football.”
He added: “He is also passionate about Aston Villa.” Wherever he is, he will sit and watch that game.”
The Prince and Princess of WalesThe eldest son has followed his father’s example. Prince William, 42 years old, has long been a big fan of the Birmingham-based team, first division Football club and regularly attends matches.
Prince George and Prince William will watch Aston Villa play Nottingham Forest in March 2023
Mike Tindall has revealed that he and Prince George ‘play football together in the garden’. Photographed in December
In March 2023, the royal father and son attended a match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest together, with George adorably mirroring William’s lively gestures.
In that match, George and William, both with shocked expressions, put their hands on their heads at the same moment.
George also accompanied his father to the Euro final in Germany this summer.
Mike also shared that he and George, 11, have played soccer together “numerous times in the backyard.”
And, giving an insight into the Princess of Wales’ sporting activities, Mike added: “They are just a family who love sport.” Catherine loves to run.
The Princess of Wales has In previous engagements she enjoyed rappelling, tennis, soccer and even a foot race with her husband. Prince William and his now separated brother Prince Harry.
In recent weeks she has slowly but steadily returned to her commitments after completing her chemotherapy treatment, visiting victims in Southport with her husband and meeting teenager Liz Hatton at Windsor Castle.
Prince William is known to enjoy a “bromance” with Tindall, so it’s no surprise that Mike is also close with his eldest son.
Mike said the young royal “loves football” and, like his father, Prince William is a big Aston Villa fan.
George and William faced bitter disappointment after watching Spain and England play in the Euro final in July.
Giving insight into the Princess of Wales’ favorite sport, Mike added that she “loves running” (pictured in 2017).
talking to The times Earlier this year, a royal source dubbed Mike, 45, and Zara, 43, the “glue of their generation of royals, no matter how serious the occasion.”
“They can help the family take their minds off the severity of what is happening,” the source added.
“While some members of the family can be very ‘real’, Mike is simply himself and is relaxed and playful with George, Charlotte and Louis.
“It helps that everyone has kids around the same age that they can play with together privately and bring a sense of normalcy to a situation that is stressful for everyone involved.”
Mike interviewed William for his podcast, The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, last year.
There, the Prince of Wales revealed that Zara’s victory in the equestrian eventing competition was the only time he had been moved to tears while watching sport.
During the argument at Windsor Castle, the father-of-three said: “The only time I cried watching sport was when Zara won, I think it was the European championship.”
Outgoing Zara was also pictured speaking to Prince William and his mother-in-law Carole yesterday.
—I was camping on Exmoor at the time. We were all huddled around the phone looking at it. She was there, crying while the flag was raised. It was in pieces.
William’s wife Kate and Zara’s mother, William’s aunt Princess Anne, an accomplished equestrian, also appeared on the podcast.
Continuing the discussion, Kate said, “I remember because you came back and said I’d never been so proud of anyone.”
William, along with his brother Harry, grew up in Gloucestershire, just a few miles from where Zara and her brother Peter Phillips grew up. The four royal cousins were often seen chatting and joking at royal events.
Although Zara and her husband Mike are not officially royals, they still seem to be working their way into Charles’ inner circle.
Mike Tindall and William may seem like an unlikely couple, but the two men can be seen sharing a joke or even a hug at royal events.
William, heir to the throne, was educated at Eton before completing his studies at St Andrews. He prefers football to rugby, which was more his brother Harry’s sport.
Mike attended Queen Elizabeth High School, Wakefield, and became a professional rugby player for Bath at the age of 18.
However, they are both also hands-on parents and enjoy catching up at polo or the races, where they often greet each other warmly.
William and Mike have been photographed as friends at several public engagements, and the former England rugby player has supported the royals at polo matches in the past.
It’s clear that the pair get along so well that Mike felt comfortable enough to mock the future King on a recent podcast, saying he calls the heir to the throne “One Pint Willy” because he’s “not the best drinker.”
Both have also been with their wives for almost 20 years: Tindall was 25 when he and Zara were introduced at the 2003 World Cup. William and Kate met at university.
Zara, in particular, also maintains a close bond with her cousins Eugenie and Beatrice, whom she often hugs and kisses at high-profile royal events.
Pictured: Zara, Eugenie and Kate Middleton chatting together at Royal Ascot in 2019.
Kate, Zara and their daughter Mia share a warm moment in 2015, while attending the Gigaset Charity Polo Match at the Beaufort Polo Club.
Pictured: Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn arrive to hold a vigil for Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall on September 17, 2022.
It would seem that Zara and Kate are good friends too – the two mothers have been photographed laughing and deep in conversation at royal events.
One touching moment was at the 2012 Olympics, when Kate was seen enthusiastically greeting Zara, who won a silver medal as part of the all-around team.
Zara, in particular, also shares a close bond with her cousins Eugenie and Beatrice, whom she often hugs at high-profile royal events.
Social media shy Beatrice made a rare post on unknown in 2022, to show your support for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! from Mike. period, calling her cousin’s husband “the best.”
Mike has also had quite a bit of fun with Royal Family relatives: that same year he mocked his wife and Eugenie’s colorful dresses in a humorous Instagram post by comparing them to Starburst wrappers.