Mike Tindall Gives Blunt Reply When Asked About Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Mike Tindall offered a notably blunt response when the subject of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor surfaced during a recent interview promoting his new book, created alongside his co-hosts from The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast. The book expands on the trio’s behind-the-scenes conversations and stories, many of which involve Tindall’s unique position as a royal in-law.

According to The Times (The Times), co-host James Haskell is known for teasing Mike about topics he finds uncomfortable—particularly anything related to more controversial members of the royal family.

Mike Tindall Says “No Comment” When Asked About Andrew

During their joint interview, James admitted he genuinely enjoys watching Mike squirm as he pushes the boundaries of what’s appropriate to joke about. Regarding Andrew, he insisted that it is “never the wrong moment” to crack a joke about the former prince.

When pressed about whether these jokes ever cross a line, Mike offered only a curt: “No comment!”

The silence was telling, given the long-running scandal surrounding Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Andrew has faced intense public backlash since allegations were brought forward by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was 17. Andrew has repeatedly and vehemently denied her accusations (BBC).

This week, the controversy deepened again. Newly released files referenced in multiple reports suggest Epstein confirmed that Andrew did in fact pose for the now-infamous photo with Ms Giuffre—an image that Andrew previously claimed to have “no memory” of ever being taken (Sky News). The photo is the same one Andrew addressed in his widely criticised 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, where his explanations were described as “ill-judged” by royal commentators (BBC).

Why James Haskell Feels It’s “Fair Game” to Tease Mike

Given the magnitude of the Andrew scandal, James believes the topic is fair to bring up, especially since Mike married into the royal family. Mike is married to Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, making Andrew his uncle-in-law.

In their latest book, Mike reflected on James’ relentless teasing, saying:
“He’ll pick up on something that I say. And then, if you look at the cesspool of Instagram, I get dragged into it.”

Mike’s comments highlight how easily royal-adjacent individuals are pulled into controversy, even when they avoid commenting directly.

The Latest on the Andrew and Epstein Saga

Recently released court documents renewed scrutiny of Andrew’s past, noting that Epstein had acknowledged the existence of the photo with Giuffre, which dates back to 2001 (The Guardian). In that same Newsnight interview, Andrew insisted he had “no recollection” of meeting Giuffre at all.

Further attention was drawn to the case following the posthumous release of Giuffre’s memoir last month. She died in April, and in her memoir she again detailed her allegations, claiming she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions after being trafficked by Epstein (The Independent). Andrew has always categorically denied these allegations.

In addition, a U.S. congressional committee investigating Epstein’s network has reportedly issued a formal request for Andrew to give evidence regarding his relationship with Epstein (Sky News). This request came not long after Andrew was stripped of his titles as prince and Duke of York—actions supported by the late Queen Elizabeth II in an attempt to distance the monarchy from the scandal (BBC).

Mike and Zara Keep Life Low-Key Despite Public Fascination

Away from royal headlines, Mike and Zara Tindall reportedly maintain a relatively private, relaxed lifestyle in Gloucestershire, far from the day-to-day pressures of senior royal life (The Guardian).

Mike’s podcast, however, continues to be a major success. The Good, The Bad & The Rugby regularly features high-profile names in the sport and has accumulated a large, loyal following. Their books—now two in total—have become successful extensions of their digital brand, offering fans more insight into the trio’s humour, conversations, and behind-the-scenes banter.