Mike Tindall's pal James Haskell shares cryptic six-word message about Royal Family

Ex-rugby star James Haskell has revealed what he thinks of the Royal Family claiming that some 'aren't as great as others' in a cryptic comment.

Having had several dealings with the British monarchy in recent times, the former England international welcomed the Prince and Princess of Wales onto his podcast last year as well as being introduced to other members of the family thanks to his long running friendship with co-host Mike Tindall.

In a recent interview with the Times, the former sportsman claimed that they're just like any other 'modern family', as he said: "I’ve spent time with the royals. Some aren’t as great as others," reports the Express.

While he claimed that some royals carry out their duties better than others, he did confess that he loves what they do: "They do amazing work — but they’re also a modern family that’s very dysfunctional. I went to Harry and Meghan’s wedding. I went to Mike and Zara’s wedding. To those who want to get rid of the monarchy — once they’re gone, they’re gone. There’s no way back from that, so remember that they serve an important role. I love what they do."

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In a rare appearance in front of camera, Kate Middleton and Prince William chatted to Mike and James on their The Good, The Bad an The Rugby podcast last year, with James revealing what it was like to have the Royal pair join him on the episode.

The former I'm A Celeb contestant told Good Morning Britain: "That podcast was brilliant because we see them at their best, obviously they have a wicked sense of humour, in this country in particular we obviously put people on a pedestal, but they are a regular family, an incredible family they do a lot for this country but a regular family."

Having married into the Royal Family when he tied the knot with Zara Tindall in July 2011, GMB presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls spoke to him about the late Queen Elizabeth, as he said: "You never predict it. A 96-year-old lady, you know it's going to happen but you're never ready for when it does."

He added: "Watching what Zara had to go through, obviously she loved the Queen beyond everything else. Their connection with horses, they had a real bond around that."

James and Mike first met after both represented England on the international stage, but years later, the pair would also see their careers overlap after going onto appear in I'm A Celebrity.