Family drama always ends up having far-reaching consequences. That’s the thing with family drama. Everyone’s connected. So, when father and son fight, that affects siblings. And then siblings fight, which affects nephews and nieces. And that doesn’t change when the relationships in the middle of a dispute are the ones between Prince William and Prince Harry, and the one feeling devastated by the feud is Prince George.
RadarOnline.com is reporting that Prince George was “devastated” after Prince Harry moved to the United States, and has found a new “fun uncle” in Mike Tindall. The 12-year-old was reportedly especially close to his uncle Harry before the Duke of Sussex moved with his wife, Meghan Markle, to California.
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“George was very fond of Harry and really felt it when he went. Harry was the uncle who got down on the carpet, played around, and always made him laugh,” one family source told the outlet. “His departure left a noticeable hole in George’s life, and it was clear the family needed someone else to take on that role,” the aide continued.
Another courtier added, “Mike has taken on the role in a way few anticipated. He’s obviously devoted to his own children, but he’s also carved out time for William and Kate’s kids.
“George clearly admires him, and the happiness is obvious when they’re together. He’s effectively become the new fun uncle in George’s life.”
Mike Tindall, who is married to Zara Phillips, the oldest daughter of Princess Anne, has stepped into that role for Prince George. “Mike has naturally stepped into that space,” another insider said. “He’s easygoing, fun, and never too formal – which is just what George needs. Being the eldest, George already carries a sense of responsibility, so Mike brings some relief.”
“He can joke, play, and show affection, giving George the kind of carefree connection every child needs. It’s been hugely important.”
Evidence of the close bond between the two, according to body language expert Judi James, is last year’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham. James pointed out that Tindall pulled George into a hug and kissed him on the head while the prince and his siblings were greeting well-wishers. “Mike just took over the action,” she said.
In his memoir, Spare, Harry spoke warmly of being an uncle and the excitement surrounding George’s birth. “I looked forward to popping in all the time. Look! It’s Uncle Harry! ‘Ello, Just thought I’d stop by. Holding a bottle of wine and an armful of kiddie presents. Dropping to the floor and wrestling with little George.” He also admitted feeling a sense of responsibility for William’s children.
A royal aide said: “Harry was always eager to play a part in George’s life and had a strong protective streak. But being so far away now means that space has naturally been taken by someone else.”
“It’s not that George doesn’t remember Harry – he absolutely does – but children need someone who’s there day-to-day, not just in stories or recollections,” the aide also said.
The role Tindall plays these days seems to be important. “Mike has taken on the role in a way few anticipated. He’s obviously devoted to his own children, but he’s also carved out time for William and Kate’s kids,” another source added. ”
For kids, the more good role models, the better. But if Uncle Harry wants to come back into Harry’s life, that would also be a good thing.