According to royal author Robert Jobson, Prince George looks up to two unexpected royals: his godmother Zara Tindall and her husband Mike. The couple, among the favourite members of the Royal Family, have built a special bond with the young prince, Jobson says.
No deference, just teasing
Writing in the Daily Mail, Jobson said: “Watch Zara with George, and there is no deference in it. She teases him. He is easy with her the way children are easy with adults who want nothing from them.”
On Mike, who is not a godparent, Jobson added: “Then there is Mike, who is not a godparent and has become something better. He talks to him about losing, the one subject nobody else raises, because everybody else is invested in the boy winning.”
A bond caught on camera
Jobson also pointed to the warmth seen in photographs: “An arm round George's shoulders, leaning in, saying something. No airs and graces about the man, and the child worked that out years ago.”
That bond was visible during the Christmas Day service in 2024, when Mike was snapped ruffling the 13-year-old’s hair before kissing him on the side of the head.
Football in the garden
Mike has previously spoken about George’s interests. He told The Telegraph: “George loves his football. I've played in the garden with him numerous times. He's passionate about Aston Villa, too. Wherever he is, he'll sit down and watch that game.”
An advantage for the future king
With George set to start at Eton this autumn and one day become king, having Zara and Mike in his corner — both untitled but always present for family — serves as a big advantage. Jobson said George “is growing up among adults who are either dazzled by the institution or depend on it.”
Zara’s balancing act
Jobson concluded: “Zara's gift is the switch. She turns out when the family asks. Balcony, Jubilee, funeral. Then she goes home, earns her own living, gets back on a horse. Nobody else has managed both. She moves between the centre and the edge without fuss and without resentment.”
