The reality is royal family marriages are not always made of fairy tales, but Mike Tindall seems to have no struggles as a royal spouse. The former professional rugby player married Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter, Zara Tindall, in July 2011, and they continue to be blissfully happy living in the countryside with their two daughters.
According to royal expert Judi James, Mike thrives as a commoner royal spouse because of his status as an alpha sportsman. Before he was part of the royal family, he was regarded as a sporting hero, which apparently puts him in the same status as Prince Charles or Prince William.
James went on to say that Mike's achievement as a sportsman puts him "on top of the leader board among the royals. This might have helped him create a better impression, as an outsider, among the more "difficult and challenging" in-laws.
The expert explained that even royal family members get starstruck and fascinated by other celebrities. This is also why he's popular with the long line of cousins, aunts, and uncles that he mingles with at royal events. Zara's husband has been photographed giggling with Queen Elizabeth.
Surprisingly, as much as Mike is well-loved by his in-laws, someone from his own family didn't want him to marry a royal granddaughter. Mike's maternal grandmother apparently had concerns that his marriage would be shunned since he's a commoner and it would eventually make Mike unhappy.
Mike's grandmother, however, was no longer alive when he married Zara. The sportsman father, Philip, said that they'd loved Queen's granddaughter like their own, and she is perfect for her husband.
Meanwhile, the Tindalls are busy turning up the Christmas vibe at their home in Gatcombe Park in Princess Anne's estate. Mike said on his podcast show that Zara is actually obsessed about decorating and has quite a system.
The Tindalls have a main Christmas tree, which only Zara organizes like she has OCD. However, they also have separate trees around their house for the kids and Mike to decorate however they please.
Zara and Mike, as well as their daughters, will not be able to mark Christmas Day in Sandringham this year since Queen Elizabeth canceled their traditional celebration as a safety precaution against COVID-19. Her Majesty will be celebrating the holiday quietly with Prince Philip in Windsor Castle. At the same time, she encouraged the rest of her family, especially those with kids, to enjoy the festive season in their own household.
The Tindalls might visit family members during the Christmas break, such as Mike's family in West Yorkshire, or stay with Princess Anne and her husband, Timothy Laurence. They could also drop off their gifts to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and wish them a socially-distanced Christmas.
