Prince William's emotional reaction to Zara Tindall left her 'very surprised'

Prince William had a very emotional reaction during a Zara Tindall event, leaving the Gloucestershire native 'very surprised'. The Olympic equestrian and the future king have been close since childhood and share a bond that has survived well into their adult lives.

That doesn't look set to change any time soon either following a heart-warming revelation on Mike Tindall's podcast - The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, reports the Daily Mirror.

In September 2023, Prince William confessed to being moved to tears by Zara's victory at the European Championship with her horse Toytown back in 2005. "I was down in Exmoor at the time camping," he recounted.

"We were all huddling around the phone watching it. She was there, she was blubbing away, the flag was going up. I was in pieces."

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The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton then added: "I can remember because you came back and said I've never been so proud of anyone."

Speaking to Women's Weekly alongside Mike three months later, Zara admitted: "I've never heard him say that before. I was very surprised, but one of my absolute favourite occasions was riding at the Olympics and getting a team Silver.

"All of my cousins came and watched on the final day. Everyone's usually so busy, it's hard to come and watch, so it was amazing to have everyone there. It made it even more special than it already was. They were all very supportive and proud. It was great."

In a Channel 5 documentary, 'Zara & Anne: Like Mother Like Daughter', Victoria Arbiter said: "For William in particular, trust is everything so when you've got a cousin that understands what it is to be a member of the Royal Family, but they don't have the same pressures associated with it, they can be a tower of strength and support.

"It's Zara's loyalty and total dedication to her family that has made her such an asset to the cousins who have had to endure the negative side of royal life."