A lighthearted royal moment has resurfaced around the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, as new remarks from former rugby player Mike Tindall bring attention to her competitive side and social habits. The discussion connects royal sporting traditions, a past podcast appearance, and recent changes in her lifestyle following a health diagnosis.
Retired England rugby union player Mike Tindall recently spoke to Woman & Home about the royal family’s strong interest in sport and competition. Married to Zara Tindall, Prince William’s cousin, he described a playful environment where games often become competitive moments.
He shared a memorable observation about the Princess of Wales, saying, “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.”
The comment drew attention due to its casual tone and the glimpse it offers into private royal gatherings. Mike also noted that “sport is rife throughout the family – everyone is competitive,” highlighting how games often become a shared activity among them.
Podcast Moment at Windsor Castle
The discussion traces back to a 2023 special episode of “The Good, The Bad & The Rugby”, recorded in the Green Drawing Room of Windsor Castle. The episode featured Prince William, Princess Kate, and Princess Anne ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Each royal supported different teams through their patron roles with major rugby organizations, adding a friendly layer of rivalry. During the episode, Mike described Kate, 44, as “uber competitive,” pointing to her involvement in beer pong. The Princess of Wales gently denied the claim at the time, keeping the exchange light and playful.
Public attention also shifted toward Kate Middleton’s health journey. In 2024, she revealed she was undergoing treatment after an abdominal surgery uncovered an undisclosed form of cancer. During this period, royal duties were reduced to focus on recovery.
In March, during a visit to the Southwark Brewing Company in London with Prince William, she shared a personal update about lifestyle changes. She said, “Since my diagnosis, I haven’t had much alcohol. It’s something I have to be a lot more conscious of now.”
Royal editor Matt Wilkinson of The Sun, writing on X, noted that she added a comment to Prince William, saying, “But you like cider.”
Family Life and Public Moments
Over the years, the Princess of Wales has occasionally been seen enjoying drinks during informal moments, including sipping bubbly at polo events supporting Prince William.
A 2021 account from a family friend mentioned that “William will bring Kate a gin-and-tonic” after their children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8—go to bed.
By January 2025, she shared relief after announcing she was in remission.
The recent comments from Mike Tindall, combined with Kate Middleton’s own reflections, present a layered picture of royal life—one that blends humor, competition, and personal adjustment.
From Windsor Castle’s podcast setting to health-driven lifestyle changes, the Princess of Wales continues to draw attention through both public duties and private moments shaped by evolving priorities.
