A Strong Connection to Australia

Mike and Zara Tindall have long expressed their admiration for Australia, a country that has become a special place in their lives over the years. Following multiple visits, the couple, who are married and have three children, have frequently gushed about the country’s lifestyle, climate, and the warmth of the local community (HELLO!).

Last year, the Tindalls spent Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham before embarking on a trip to Australia in January. During their visit, they attended several high-profile events, including the Magic Millions Barrier Draw and the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping event. The Magic Millions organization, renowned as an Australian Thoroughbred racehorse auction house, hosts a series of equestrian events throughout the year, many of which Zara supports in her role as patron of Magic Millions Racing Women (HELLO!, The Independent).

Mike, 47, and Zara, 44, who is King Charles’ niece and the daughter of Princess Anne, have maintained a long-standing affection for Australia, which dates back to their first meeting in Sydney at a bar following Mike’s participation in the 2003 Rugby World Cup (BBC). Since then, the city and the country have held a special place in their hearts.

Friendships and Familiar Places

The Tindalls have developed strong social ties in Australia over the years. During a visit in early 2023, Mike reflected on the experience, saying it was “lovely to have a break from the bleak January in the UK” and emphasizing that they cherish returning to see “all our friends” in Australia (HELLO!). Zara added that the past two years of pandemic-related restrictions made being away from Australia particularly difficult: “It really is like a family and it’s been hard not being here for two years.”

These visits have allowed the couple to maintain a sense of connection with the place where they first met, and Sydney, in particular, holds sentimental value. In an interview with HELLO! in 2024, Mike said: “We try to get back to have lunch at the place where we met whenever we can. We love Sydney and have loads of friends there, so it’s been an important city in our lives.”

Would They Ever Move to Australia?

The question of relocating to Australia has frequently arisen in interviews. Speaking to HELLO! in February 2023, Mike explained that while Australia holds a strong appeal, a permanent move has never been seriously considered:

“It’s not on the cards, people try to say we almost did but we never almost did. It’s never been an actual thing where we’ve looked for a house or anything. We love Australia a lot and we love the lifestyle, I think it’s brilliant for kids but whether we could actually move there, we’re not sure. Everyone keeps telling us we’re moving there but we’re not.”

He reiterated in 2024 that distance and family considerations make an overseas move challenging: “It’s so far away, especially when you have a big family.”

Nevertheless, the couple remain open-minded about the idea, with Mike admitting, “never say never,” acknowledging that their deep affection for Australia could one day influence future decisions (HELLO!).

Mike’s Ongoing Ties to Australia Through Television

Mike’s connection to Australia extends beyond leisure visits. In 2022, he traveled to Australia to appear on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, where he finished in fourth place (BBC). This year, the show returns on Sunday, November 16, with Mike’s appearance serving as a reminder of his popularity with Australian audiences. The 2025 line-up includes stars such as Alex Scott, Martin Kemp, Aitch, and Kelly Brook (HELLO!).

Looking Ahead: Balancing Family, Royal Duties, and Travel

For Mike and Zara, Australia represents more than just a holiday destination — it is a place filled with memories, friendships, and professional opportunities. However, despite the allure of the country, the couple remain grounded, focusing on family life in the UK while continuing to nurture their long-standing connection with the southern hemisphere (The Independent).

Whether a permanent move will ever happen remains uncertain, but what is clear is that Australia will always hold a special place in the hearts of Mike and Zara Tindall.