It's no secret that Mike Tindall, his wife Zara, and the Prince and Princess of Wales have a close bond. With Zara and the future king Prince William growing up together, the cousins have always had a great friendship and therefore it's unsurprising that the affection has extended to their respective spouses.
Both couples married in 2011 and since tying the knot, their close-knit group has only become closer; Zara and Mike share Mia, nine, Lena, five, and two-year-old son Lucas while Prince William and Kate share Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis.
But what's even sweeter is how Mike, in particular, has bonded with William and Kate's three children.
© Max Mumby/IndigoThe athlete's wife Zara is godmother to Prince George and is technically first cousin once removed ro the Wales' three children, but it seems that Zara and Mike have more of an aunt-uncle relationship with the three young ones.
Mike's relationship with the in-laws is clear not only from anecdotes he himself has told, but also thanks to photographs of them together over the years, and body language expert Darren Stanton gives his commentary to HELLO! about the 'hands-on' role Mike has with his 'nieces and nephews'…
'Uncle' Mike Tindall's relationship with the Wales children…
© Sharon Moore/Geoff Robinson PhotographyMike and Prince George
How brilliant is this photograph? It encapsulates the relationship between Mik and Prince William and Kate's children perfectly.
As Prince George was walking out from the church service at St Mary Magdelene on Christmas Day 2023, Mike wrapped an affectionate arm around the future King's shoulder and appeared to be placing a kiss on his forehead. Prince George looked more than comfortable in the presence of fun 'Uncle' Mike!
Darren told HELLO!: "[Mike is] demonstrating he has very much a hands-on sort of relationship here. It's clear that Mike isn't averse to getting stuck in thanks to years of playing physical sports.
"It's in Mike's nature to be hands-on and while it's clear from George's reaction here that he's trying to play it cool, you can see he and his 'uncle' have a very fun dynamic between them."
© Max Mumby/Indigo,GettyPrince Louis gets the giggles
This super cute moment between Prince Louis, his mum, Princess Kate – who was the Duchess of Cambridge at the time – and Mike occurred while watching the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the summer of 2022.
Little Louis is sat next to his mum while Mike pokes his face forward from behind to pull a face at the then-four-year-old.
Prince Louis' hilarious antics at the Jubilee went down as pretty iconic and we love that Mike was on hand to join in on the fun and keep the little one entertained.
© Chris Jackson,Getty'Uncle' Mike is watching!
In another adorable moment, Mike playfully points his fingers towards Louis in an 'I'm watching you' gesture to indicate to Prince Louis to behave himself!
The move makes Princess Kate grin and Louis giggle, as body language expert Darren tells HELLO!: "He's taunting the prince about being naughty – again, in a comical way! The bond and rapport that Mike has been able to develop with William and Kate's children demonstrate how the Royal couple have a lot of trust in him and Zara as fellow parents."
© WPA Pool,GettySharing is caring
Later in the parade, Mike's three children, niece Savannah Phillips and Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George were all seen chatting together, with Mike and Princess Kate looking on.
The children were having the time of their lives sharing Maoam sweets between and enjoying some quality cousin time.
MORE: Zara Tindall shows close bond with godson Prince George
© Chris Jackson,GettyMike Tindall with Princess Kate
Elsewhere during the Jubilee weekend, it was Princess Charlotte's turn to sit alongside her mother to watch the Platinum Jubilee party celebrations at Buckingham Palace.
This picture shows Mike and Zara sitting behind them with Mike once again playing the joker. More footage at the time showed the whole family interacting while watching the spectacular events unfold.
© Anwar Hussein,GettyMike Tindall with a young Prince George
Mike's been in the family since before Prince George was born, so when Prince William and Princess Kate welcomed their first child in 2013, the relationship was immediate.
Here, a young Prince George is carried by his mum, then the Duchess of Cambridge, while attending a polo match as Mike looks on and enjoys a joke with his relatives.
© Karwai Tang,Getty'Uncle' Prince William joins in the fun
And it's clear the relationship works both ways! Here, Prince William is a doting 'Uncle' himself in these sweet images from a polo match back in 2017.
The cute photo shows Zara handing over Mia, then four-years-old, to her cousin Prince William who affectionately takes hold of Mia for a cuddle.
