A laughing Prince William admitted today that Mike Tindall has apologised to him after revealing his nickname as ‘One Pint Willy’ in a podcast released in December.
William was speaking to rugby legend Rob Burrow, 41, ahead of an official ceremony to present the sportsman and motor neurone disease campaigner with his CBE at Headingly Stadium.
In the clip released by BBC Breakfast on X, formerly known as Twitter, Rob told William that he ‘recently met Zara and Mike’, referring to a special podcast he recorded with the Tindalls.
He continued: ‘Mike has some secrets he told me which the kids found very amusing.’
William, who was smiling and shaking his head knowingly, replied: ‘I think that might be some of the nicknames. Was it you who got the nicknames out of him?’
Photographed at Royal Ascot, William shares a close relationship with cousin Zara and her husband Mike
When Rob appeared on the podcast and pressed Mike for his nicknames for the royals, Mike shared with listeners that he calls Prince William ‘One Pint Willy’ because ‘he is not the best of drinkers’.
The Prince told Rob : ‘He apologised to me about that. I was like, “Mike, when you say you’re not going to mention anyone’s nicknames that doesn’t mean you can then mention my nickname. That’s not fair,”.’
Earlier in the clip, Rob, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, told William that it was ‘an honour’ to meet him and that he was ‘feeling good’.
He added: ‘My children have been practising their curtseying and talking about meeting you all week.’
Prince William was speaking to Rob Burrow at Headingly Stadium ahead of presenting the rugby legend and motor neurone disease campaigner with his CBE
Mike Tindall shared that he calls William ‘One Pint Willy’ because he is fairly reserved when it comes to drinking
William presented Rob with his CBE medal – still in its box – as he lauded the former athlete’s legacy and efforts in campaigning.
‘Thank you and congratulations – for all the inspirational work you’ve done, Rob’ Prince William said as the sporting icon was surrounded by his beaming wife and their children.
‘You’ve been amazing, you really have and everyone’s so proud of you.
‘We’ve all been following your case. You’ve changed so many people’s lives with MND with what you’ve done. We’re all so proud of you.’
The royal also placed the CBE around Rob’s close friend Kevin Sinfield’s neck and praised his ‘brotherly bond’ with Rob.
The rugby coach, 43, touched the country’s heart when he carried his friend over the finishing line of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May.
‘The relationship between you two has been so amazing to watch,’ William continued. ‘An inspiration for everyone to kind of go like ‘this is how we help each other’.’