Prince Harry was once seen as the Royal Family’s “fun uncle” but he has been replaced in this role by Mike Tindall, according to a body language expert
Zasha Whiteway-Wilkinson, Natalie King and Hanisha Sethi
13:01, 22 Sep 2025
Mike Tindall and the Princess of Wales – the former rugby star is often spotted at royal events(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images)
Prince Harry was previously considered the Royal Family’s “fun uncle”, celebrated for his playful nature and strong relationship with his niece and nephews. But since his move to California in 2020, Mike Tindall has seemingly stepped into this position.
Body language specialist Judi James, speaking to Fabulous magazine, revealed that Prince George has grown particularly dependent on Mike, who is married to Zara Tindall. It comes as Mike gave a ‘savage response’ when asked if he’d take a royal title.
Judi explained: “George’s original ‘fun uncle’ and adult playmate did that infamous bolt to the US, leaving a huge Harry-shaped gap in the young boy’s life that Mike has more than filled.”
She added: “Mike is the fun uncle everyone needs, but in the case of Prince George, whose destiny is all about duty and responsible behaviour, Mike’s presence in his life is completely invaluable.”
The body language specialist emphasised Mike’s importance in Prince George’s development, noting: “Mike is the fun uncle everyone needs, but in the case of Prince George, whose destiny is all about duty and responsible behaviour, Mike’s presence in his life is completely invaluable.”
Body language experts think Mike has become the ‘fun uncle'(Image: Anwar Hussein, WireImagevia Getty Images)
The expert added: “He will joke with the royals but he won’t be critical or indiscreet.”
This stands in sharp contrast to Prince Harry, who revealed embarrassing secrets about royal life in his explosive autobiography, Spare and the Netflix documentary series, Harry and Meghan.
During conversations addressing his fractured bond with Prince William and dealing with Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997, Buckingham Palace chose not to comment on the matters highlighted in his memoir when it was released, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relocation to America in 2020, the couple have spoken openly about their Royal Family encounters.
But moves to heal the rift appear to have occured in recent weeks, with Harry meeting his father King Charles for a face-to-face meeting. The Duke of Sussex later said his “conscience is clear” over the revelations in Spare but admitted his desire for his children to spend more time in the UK.
Charles, meanwhile, is believed to have given his son a brutal ultimatum about returning to the royal fold and life in the UK.