Mike Tindall admitted that he ‘always cares about money’ for school bills and fees, especially now that he and his wife Zara are expecting a third child.
England rugby ace, 42, recounted how his income from hospitality events dried up during the pandemic and talked about the transient nature of the brand’s ambassador roles.
Speaking to The Times, he said that despite being a member of the royal family and living on the royal princess’ extensive Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire, where it is unclear whether the couple pays the rent on their home, he always worries about his financial situation .
Zara’s mother, Princess Anne, declined the queen’s offer of royal titles of courtesy to her children when they were born, letting them pursue their own careers.
“You have to plan and now with a third party on the way and what’s to come in terms of school bills, fees to pay,” said Mike.
Most of its revenue now comes from brand ambassadors, sponsorships and after dinner speeches. As a result, his income declined during the pandemic because many hospitality events were canceled.
Mike Tindall admitted that he ‘always cares about money’, especially now that he and his wife Zara (photographed together in the fall of last year) are expecting a third child
“I was fortunate to have played some roles as an ambassador, so you know there is money coming in, but sponsorships don’t last forever,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zara has been a brand ambassador for big names like Rolex, Land Rover and Musto, and has her own jewelry line with Australian brand Cajella, with experts estimating her business could be worth around £ 1.1 million or more per year.
Mike retired from professional rugby in July 2014 and described the next six months, when he ‘had nowhere to go’ every day, as ‘not dark, but sometimes cloudy’.
He told the publication that being part of the Firm but having to earn a living is’ something you just get used to ‘, adding:’ It has its benefits and its negatives.
‘You think about what you do and have to be aware of it, but not necessarily said. Zara and I have always been good at doing what is right for us. ‘
Zara turns 40 this year, and the couple is also celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. Mike said he hopes they can have as many parties as possible after spending so much time in isolation
Mike announced Zara’s pregnancy during an episode of the podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, which he features with James Haskell and Alex Payne. This marked a different approach to the Tindalls, who had formally announced them through Buckingham Palace in the past.
The couple suffered two miscarriages after the birth of their eldest daughter in 2014 and were the first royalty to speak openly about the painful experience.
He added that Zara found this’ low-key ‘pregnancy a lot easier than normal’ due to Covid’s restrictions, which means she doesn’t have to go to events and ‘worry about what to wear’.
Mike acknowledged that she is very tired and tries to go as calmly as possible, while still taking care of the horses and teaching classes at home for her daughters.
Referring to his wife as his “best friend”, who is “always right”, Mike added that he thinks it is “best” not to find out if he and Zara are having a boy or girl, but they both want a boy.
“At the end of the day, you are happy if he has ten fingers and ten feet and is healthy. And Mia is a daddy’s little girl, she’s been brilliant. I love having girls, ‘he said.
Mike revealed that he and the daughter of Princess Anne, who share daughters Mia, seven, and Lena, two, photographed in August 2019, are both expecting a boy, but did not discover sex before birth
Pregnant Zara, photographed for the first time since the pregnancy announcement, posed for a selfie that Mike shared on Instagram last month
Mike said that the fact that he and Zara are professional sportsmen means that they understand each other and their motivations, which is why they get along so well.
Asked if he thinks his children will be involved in sports, Mike said he would love for his older son to reach a ‘good standard’, but he would not force her to do so, adding that she can decide for herself.
He also talked about his own father, who fought Parkinson’s disease for 17 years. Mike is a patron of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust and regularly participates in fundraising challenges for the cause.
His father, Philip, now ‘hobbles’ with a cane, and Mike told how Mia teases him for it, which he thinks he likes in a dark way.
As a result of watching his grandfather deal with his illness, Mike said he hopes his daughters will grow up with a better understanding of the disability, which will make them ‘better people’.
Zara turns 40 this year, and the couple is also celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. Mike said he hopes they can have as many parties as they can after spending so much time in isolation.