Prince Harry’s relationship with the Royal Family has been a rollercoaster ever since he stepped back from senior duties and set up life in California.
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Once close to his cousin-in-law Mike Tindall, the pair’s friendship now looks a shadow of what it used to be.
The former England centre and 2003 World Cup winner has never been one to mince his words. At the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, Tindall reportedly told another guest that Harry was acting like a “b*****d”. For a family gathering already under a microscope, it was a line that made headlines around the world.
But this wasn’t the first time Mike had sparked debate over his royal banter. He previously joked about a young Prince Harry while recalling World Cup celebrations with teammate Iain Balshaw, saying they “pretended to punch him” — adding that the Royal Family probably wanted to “fill him in for real.” A rugby lad’s gag, but not everyone found it funny when the story resurfaced years later.
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Things haven’t been helped by tensions over Harry’s pride and joy, the Invictus Games. Reports suggest the Duke was left furious when Tindall was linked to a bigger role in the event, with some critics claiming the Games were becoming “too royal.”
And while Harry’s ties with his family continue to look strained, Tindall seems closer than ever to Prince William. The pair have shared plenty of time together through rugby, charity work and family events — making it clear where Mike’s loyalties lie these days.
Adding more spice, James Haskell — Tindall’s close mate and podcast co-host — has described the monarchy as a “very dysfunctional” modern family. Hardly a surprise then that Harry, Meghan and the rest of the Windsors can’t always keep it civil behind the Palace gates.
From best mates on the rugby circuit to pointed words at Jubilee celebrations, the Tindall-Harry story sums up just how fractured the Royal Family has become. And if Mike’s blunt verdict is anything to go by, bridges won’t be built anytime soon.
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2027 Rugby World Cup draw: Springboks face daunting path to the final
The expanded 24-team tournament will be played across Australia from 1 October 2027, with six pools of four teams and a new round-of-16 knockout phase. With fixtures and venues now confirmed by World Rugby, attention quickly turns to how each group will unfold.
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Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China
Group summary
Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.
Fixtures
- 1 October 2027 — Australia vs Hong Kong China
Perth Stadium, Perth - 2 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Chile
Perth Stadium, Perth - 9 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Australia
Stadium Australia, Sydney - 9 October 2027 — Chile vs Hong Kong China
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 15 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Hong Kong China
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 16 October 2027 — Australia vs Chile
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Group summary
Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth
