Mike Tindall Reveals the Surprisingly Formal Way He Addresses Mother-in-Law Princess Anne

Mike Tindall has been part of Princess Anne’s family for more than a decade, and the relationship between the former England rugby star and his royal mother-in-law appears to be warm and relaxed. Yet there is one detail about the way he speaks to her that is far more formal than their family dynamic might suggest.

When asked how he addresses Princess Anne in private, Tindall gave a simple answer: “Ma’am.”

The revelation came during a November 4, 2024 appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, where Tindall discussed his life around the royal family and his rugby podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.

Mike Tindall still calls Princess Anne “Ma’am”

Tindall, 47, married Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, in 2011. Although he was not born into the royal family, his marriage has placed him firmly within its wider circle, and he has become known for speaking openly about family life.

During his 2024 appearance on Good Morning Britain, Tindall was asked by presenter Susanna Reid what he actually calls his mother-in-law.

His response was brief.

“Ma’am.”

The answer was notable because Tindall is known for a much more informal personality, particularly when discussing his family and his experiences as a former professional rugby player.

His connection with Princess Anne also has a sporting dimension. Anne has been a patron of the Scottish Rugby Union for 37 years, and Tindall has previously spoken about her genuine enthusiasm for rugby and the people involved in the sport.

Discussing the subject on Good Morning Britain, he explained that part of the appeal was showing why Anne enjoys sport and the characters who make up the game.

“It was more important to showcase why they like sport, why Princess Anne has been a patron of [the Scottish Rugby Union] for 37 years and why she loves the characters in the game.”

Tindall added that rugby is a sport that welcomes supporters from different backgrounds and “comes from all sides.”

Their relationship has had some very awkward moments

While Tindall may address his mother-in-law as “Ma’am,” his stories about Princess Anne suggest that their relationship can be considerably less formal away from public appearances.

One of his most memorable stories came from Zara’s 30th birthday party, which had a 1970s theme.

Tindall recounted the incident while appearing on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2022. He explained that he was dancing with Anne at the party when he attempted a dance move and ripped his trousers.

The situation became even more embarrassing when he realized what was written on the boxers he was wearing.

According to Tindall, the underwear carried the words “nibble my nuts.”

Princess Anne’s reaction was characteristically understated

Tindall recalled turning around after the trousers split, only for Anne to see what had happened.

Her response, according to Tindall, was simply:

“I’d rather not.”

He then said he walked away, bringing an end to one of the more awkward encounters he has described involving his mother-in-law.

The story was later discussed again when Tindall was asked whether he thought Princess Anne had seen him recount the incident on television. He said he did not think she had been watching, although he suspected Zara may have told her about it.

Tindall joked that the incident was probably “etched into her memory for all the wrong reasons.”

The contrast between the two stories is striking. In private, Tindall says he still uses the formal “Ma’am” when addressing Princess Anne. Yet the pair have also shared moments relaxed enough for him to dance with her at a family birthday party and later tell the rather embarrassing story publicly.

A familiar face around the royal family

Tindall’s place within the family has become increasingly familiar over the years. He met Zara during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and has since maintained close ties with the wider royal family.

His sporting background has also created connections beyond his immediate in-laws. Tindall’s podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, has featured prominent members of the royal family, including Princess Anne as well as William and Kate, in discussions connected to their involvement with rugby.

His public appearances have also given audiences an unusually candid glimpse into life around the royal family. Unlike working royals, Tindall and Zara do not carry royal titles, allowing Tindall to speak about family experiences in a more personal and informal way.

That openness has produced plenty of memorable stories, from his experiences staying at Buckingham Palace to his accidental wardrobe malfunction in front of Princess Anne.

For all the humor and familiarity, though, one thing apparently remains unchanged: when Mike Tindall speaks directly to his mother-in-law, Princess Anne, he keeps things decidedly formal.

“Ma’am.”