Mike Tindall 'took Prince Harry's title' after Duke quit UK

Prince Harry was previously considered the Royal Family's "fun uncle", celebrated for his playful nature and strong relationship with his niece and nephews. But since his departure to California in 2020, Mike Tindall has apparently stepped into this position. The Duke of Sussex recently made a rare return to the UK, where he met face-to-face with King Charles.

That meeting has reportedly paved the way for Harry to return more regularly and even make a public appearance with his estranged father. Yet for his nephew Prince George, that may be too little too late according to body language Judi James. She claimed Prince William's son has grown to depend significantly on Mike, who is married to Zara Tindall.

Judi explained: "George's original 'fun uncle' and adult playmate did that infamous bolt to the US, leaving a huge Harry-shaped gap in the young boy's life that Mike has more than filled."

• Melania Trump's five-word comment speaks volumes about Kate Middleton
• Prince Harry says Prince William gave four-word reply to Meghan Markle's pregnancy

She added: "Mike is the fun uncle everyone needs, but in the case of Prince George, whose destiny is all about duty and responsible behaviour, Mike's presence in his life is completely invaluable." The expert added: "He will joke with the royals but he won't be critical or indiscreet."

By comparison,Harry revealed embarrassing aspects of royal life in both his tell-all autobiography, Spare, and the Netflix documentary series, Harry and Meghan. Amid conversations spanning his strained bond with Prince William and coming to terms with his mother Princess Diana's death in 1997, Buckingham Palace stayed quiet on the matters highlighted in his memoir when it was released.

Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relocation to America in 2020, the pair have been open about their encounters within the Royal Family.

But while rumours of a healing in the royal feud are increasing, some sources claim King Charles has laid down the law over whether Harry could legitimately return to the royal fold.

During his flying visit to the UK earlier this month, Prince Harry also made a secret trip to Kensington Palace.

Harry left the UK before the funeral for the Duchess of Kent on Tuesday, who died aged 92. But he travelled to the Palace to "personally pay his respects and offer condolences" to the Duke of Kent.