What It's Really Like To Spend Christmas With The Royal Family, According To Mike Tindall

When Mike Tindall married Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter, Zara Phillips, back in 2011, his life took a dramatic turn. Fast forward seven years, and the former rugby star is now giving us a glimpse into what it's truly like to celebrate the holidays with the royal family. In a candid conversation on the latest episode of the House of Rugby talk show, Mike, now 40, opens up about the traditions, the outfits, and even the Queen's love for bright colors.

A Royal Holiday: More Church, Less Boxer Shorts

Mike shared that a royal holiday is nothing like what he's used to. "It's quite a strange day because if you're from up north, normally I'd spend my whole day in my boxer shorts," he joked. "So by the time I'd normally have gotten up, I've been to church twice." Mike, who doesn't come from a strong church-going background, admitted that this aspect of the royal holiday was a significant adjustment. "It's strange for me, and I've never had to take as many outfits anywhere," he added. But dressing up for the occasion isn't a problem for Mike, especially when it comes to Christmas Eve. In fact, he embraced the festive spirit by donning a bright red suit jacket and tie, a look that even earned the Queen's approval.

The Queen's Love for Bright Colors

Mike revealed that the Queen has a particular fondness for vibrant hues. "The Queen loves bright colors," he gushed. "That's why she wears all those amazing colors that she does because she thinks dark colors are for sad times." This insight into the Queen's style preferences adds a personal touch to her public persona, showing that even royalty has a playful side when it comes to fashion.

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A Day of Tradition and Quiet Reflection

After church, the royal family gathers to watch the Queen's annual Christmas speech, a moment that brings everyone together. But the entertainment doesn't stop there. The Downton Abbey Christmas special often follows, although Mike admitted he doesn't tune in. "I don’t watch it, but there’s a lot of people who do," he said. While Christmas Eve is filled with an abundance of food, Christmas Day takes a quieter approach with a cold buffet. According to Mike, this is because the Queen prioritizes giving her royal staff a well-deserved break on the big day. "She loves all the staff that she has working for her, so she’ll give as many the day off on Christmas Day as she can," Mike explained.

Presents and Planning: Zara Takes the Lead

When it comes to presents, Mike's wife, Zara, takes charge. Mike revealed that Zara gifted all 27 people at Sandringham this year, and even the 50 people attending the Queen's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace received a gift from her. "My wife is incredible at buying Christmas presents, and she was done by around the 14th of December. She started in mid-November," Mike said proudly. Mike and Zara, who have two children—4-year-old Mia and baby Lena Elizabeth, welcomed this July—know the importance of planning ahead.

While there may be plenty of protocol to follow as a royal family member, it's clear that their holidays are deeply rooted in family time and cherished traditions.

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