Mike Tindall gave a rather awkward response when he was put on the spot with a question about his mother-in-law, Princess Anne.
The former rugby union player, who is married to the Princess Royal's daughter, Zara Tindall, discussed a recent viral moment on the latest episode of his sports podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.
Joined by his co-host Alex Payne and rugby legends Jonny May and Ben Kayser, the group discussed Scotland's 50-40 win over France last Saturday in the Six Nations at Murrayfield Stadium. Mike was left astonished when Ben, a former French union rugby player, admitted he "didn't know" who the Princess Royal, who had attended the match, was.
Kayser asked: "You look at the Tuipulotu hug, I don't even know, who is she exactly? Is she a princess?", gesturing to Mike.
"My mother-in-law, yeah," Mike responded, chuckling with amusement and raising his eyebrows in surprise. Alex Payne, who co-hosts the podcast, clarified: "The Princess Royal".
Still laughing, Mike added: "When you do meet her, because we'll make sure that happens, make sure to give her a hug."
© Getty ImagesThey had been discussing a much-talked-about moment when Anne, 75, had shown her cheeky side after the match. While congratulating Captain Sione Tuipulotu, the royal dodged his hug and wiggled her hands instead, before going in for a firm and proper handshake. It delighted royal fans, and went viral on social media.
Getting on with the in-laws
Mike married Zara in 2011 and appears to get on very well with his mother-in-law Anne. The Princess Royal has even featured on his podcast, with Prince William and Kate, and Mike previously opened up about what it was like.
© PA Images via Getty Images"They were amazing," Mike reflected. "Rugby has been going through a tough time and we wanted to showcase why it brings people together from all backgrounds, it's such an inclusive sport, but it also creates great human beings," he said. "It was more important to showcase why they like sport, why Princess Anne has been a patron of [the Scottish Rugby Union] for 37 years and why she loves the characters in the game."
He also revealed that he calls Anne "mam". Mike and Zara share three children: Mia, 12, Lena, seven, and Lucas, four.
A loved-up Cheltenham appearance
Mike and Zara Tindall attended Cheltenham Races on Wednesday, and were joined by Princess Anne, as well as the Princess of Wales's mother, Carole Middleton.
© Getty ImagesMike and Zara were clearly feeling the love, as they were pictured sharing a kiss upon arrival. Carole, who was with them, appeared not to know where to look.
Wednesday marked the return of Ladies Day to the Cheltenham Festival after a five-year hiatus, and Zara, 44, adhered to the theme in style.
She sported a glamorous yet classic navy blue dress coat by Katherine Hooker in a timeless heritage print. She paired the design with a bag by Fairfax & Favor and a 3D hat by Juliette Botterill in burgundy. The mother-of-three added gold earrings by Hector Lion and modern sunglasses.
