Mike Tindall’s latest business move is generating tension within royal circles, with insiders speculating it could strain his close relationship with Princess Anne.

The former England rugby star, now 47, who joined the royal family in 2011 through his marriage to Zara Tindall—Princess Anne’s daughter and King Charles III’s niece—is drawing controversy over his involvement in a new breakaway rugby competition, Rugby 360 (R360).

A Bold Move That Challenges Royal Affiliations

According to royal commentator Ephraim Hardcastle, Tindall’s involvement in R360 may put him at odds with Princess Anne, who is one of rugby’s most dedicated and long-standing supporters. Hardcastle noted that Tindall could be in for “a royal earbashing” due to the disruptive nature of the new competition.

R360, which launches in October 2026, is reported to be fully funded and ready for its debut season. The format includes 12 international franchises—eight men’s teams and four women’s teams—competing in a “Grand Prix-style” tournament across major global cities.

However, the concept directly challenges existing traditional rugby unions, including the Scottish Rugby Union, where Princess Anne has served as patron since 1986. It also conflicts with other royal commitments: Prince William is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, and Princess Catherine supports the English Rugby Union.

As Hardcastle put it: “Tindall, who earned 75 caps for England, is also taking on family big beasts who represent the status quo. In a ruck between the two, only a fool would bet against Anne.”

Princess Anne’s Deep Connection to Rugby

Now 75, Princess Anne is highly respected for her lifelong dedication to the sport. She is frequently seen attending major tournaments such as the Six Nations and was recently appointed patron of The Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation, which supports seriously injured grassroots athletes.

During a 2023 appearance on Tindall’s podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, Princess Anne shared how her association with rugby first began.

“It was an accident,” she revealed. “They asked me to go and open the East Stand [at Murrayfield Stadium] when it was built… About a month later, they asked me if I wanted to become patron.”

Speaking about why she remains passionate about the sport, she added: “Everything that rugby gives – I’m talking about exercise and team sports in general – but I do think rugby offers a variety of talents in one team. And you have to look out for each other.”

Tindall’s Respect for His Royal Family’s Sporting Legacy

Mike Tindall has often spoken about the shared love of sport within the royal family. In an interview with golfer Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley, he said: “As a family, they’re sport loving. With Princess Anne being the patron of Scottish rugby as well, and now, obviously, the Princess of Wales being the patron of England and Wales respectively, I was very fortunate that they knew a lot about rugby and had that sports side to them that they all love.”

When Riley jokingly suggested that Tindall had “just cruised” into royal life, Tindall laughed and replied: “I wouldn’t say I cruised in there. It’s a journey you never plan for. But they were just so good. And so open to me.”