'Uber competitive' Princess Kate's go-to drinking game she still plays with the royal family


The Princess of Wales has long been known for her competitive streak, something she once admitted even affects games of tennis with Prince William


© Getty Images
Abby Allen
Abby AllenTV writer
4 hours ago
Share this:

Despite their status, the royal family are known to enjoy life's simple pleasures just like everyone else – and when they get together, it seems things can quickly turn competitive.

The Princess of Wales, in particular, is known for her determination to win, something Mike Tindall, who is married to Prince William's cousin Zara Tindall, has revealed in a new interview.

Kate plays table tennis as she visits Bacon's College on July 26, 2012© Getty Images
Kate plays table tennis as she visits Bacon's College on July 26, 2012

'Uber competitive' Princess Kate

Speaking to Woman & Home, Mike shared: "Sport is rife throughout the [Royal] family – everyone is competitive. We did a podcast [with William, Catherine, and Princess Anne] on how much they love sport."

He went on to reveal that one activity, in particular, brings out Kate's competitive side. "I knew that the Princess of Wales was uber competitive because I'd seen her play a drinking game called beer pong, but normally we play Prosecco pong! She still plays it with us."

WATCH: Prince William and Kate Middleton get competitive in Wolverhampton

This isn't the first time Mike has spoken about Kate's love of the game. During an episode of his podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, in 2023, Kate, Prince William and Princess Anne made a surprise appearance, prompting Mike to tease the royal about her competitive nature.

"I'm not going to say you're uber competitive," Mike joked, to which Kate replied coyly: "I'm not competitive at all."

"I've seen her play beer pong!" Mike laughed.

 Mike Tindall, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the recording of a special episode of The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, on September 06, 2023© Getty Images for Kensington Pala
Prince William told his aunt she'd be a pro at padel

Kate's competitive streak is something she clearly shares with her husband, with the couple previously admitting it can make playing sport together difficult.

"I don't think we've actually been able to finish a game of tennis," Kate said on the podcast. "It becomes a mental challenge between the two of us."

William, Kate, George and Charlotte cross the player's walkway bridge on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 © Getty Images
William, Kate, George and Charlotte cross the player's walkway bridge on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025

A royal tipple 

While Kate may still enjoy a game of Prosecco pong from time to time, the princess has previously spoken about cutting back on alcohol following her cancer diagnosis.

During a visit to Fabal Beerhall on the Bermondsey Beer Mile in east London in March, Kate declined to sample the beer and cider on offer, telling owner Hannah Rhodes: "Since my diagnosis I haven't had much alcohol." Opting for a soft drink instead, she added: "It's something I have to be a lot more conscious of now."

William and Sophie drinking cider© Getty Images
Prince William and the Duchess of Edinburgh sampled cider during a visit to the Food and Farming Pavilion in June 2025

Meanwhile, William sampled the drinks supplied at the tasting, admitting he is a "cider man". 

Kate revealed earlier this year that she is in remission after being diagnosed with cancer in 2024. King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer that year and continues to undergo treatment.

More Royalty
See more