Prince William May Have Found a ‘Brotherly Relationship’ in This Royal Family Member

Prince William doesn’t seem to be giving much thought to his feud with Prince Harry, because he and Kate Middleton are focused on their royal path. But that doesn’t mean that the Prince of Wales hasn’t formed a new, strong brotherly bond. In Harry’s absence, another family member has stepped up to be that sounding board for the future King of England. 

That “brotherly friendship” was on display at the royal family’s annual Christmas Day walk ahead of the church services at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk — royal fans saw how close the Tindall family was with the Wales family. Prince William and Mike Tindall, husband of his cousin Zara, have reportedly become best buds, according to The Telegraph.

They have a playful relationship that on paper doesn’t sound like it would work. In real life though, the former rugby player has no problem teasing Prince William by mentioning his lightweight status as a drinker. “The Prince of Wales is known to me as One Pint Willy because he’s not the best of drinkers,” Mike joked on the Seven: Rob Burrowpodcast. “Oh my God. It’s out there now. Sorry, Sir.” That jovial irreverence is probably a relief from time to time for William; he needs a release after stepping into such a serious royal role this past year. 

Royal expert Dickie Arbiter had a firsthand look at their friendship when he was a palace press secretary and believes that William’s bond with Zara led him to Mike. “Mike is a pretty straight guy,” he told the U.K. outlet. “He’s down to earth, and William is too. We’ve seen [this] time and again in William and Mike’s interactions. They are a proper family. They’re not playing at it.”

As a “family guy,” Mike was seen affectionately hugging Prince George on Christmas Day just as Kate Middleton was protective of the Tindall’s nine-year-old daughter, Mia, on the royal walk. There is a sweet love and comfortable familiarity between the two families who each have three kids. (Mike and Zara are also parents to daughter Lena, 5, and son Lucas, 2.)

What may surprise some royal fans the most though is Mike’s love of gossip. He can sometimes cross the line by spilling royal tea (like William’s cheeky nickname), but somehow, he gets away with it with his winning personality. The Wales don’t seem to get as upset when he shares a private royal family story versus when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle do. It just goes to show everyone that family relationships are very complicated, especially when it comes to the royal family.

Before you go, click here to see the 100 best photos of the royal family from the past 20 years.