'It was difficult': Mike Tindall opens up about wife Zara's gruelling labour

Mike Tindall has discussed his and wife Zara Tindall's new arrival Lena Elizabeth for the first time since welcoming their daughter on 18th June.

At a recent event, the new dad-of-two opened up about Zara's labour, hinting that the royal struggled giving birth to their 9lb 3oz baby.

In a tounge-in-cheek comment, he said, "She almost ripped my head off, so it was difficult.”

The proud new parents were spotted for the first time since welcoming baby Lena over the weekend, at the Celebrity Cup Charity golf match, where Mike competed.

Since the arrival of their new daughter, Mike has even taken part in a few sporting events - and said that his ability to do so is testament to how "amazing" Zara is.

Mike explained, “This is how amazing my wife is. I had a day off on Thursday, did a bit of feeding, and then played Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

Former rugby player Mike then addressed his newborn bundle of joy - revealing that she and their eldest daughter Mia are already getting along like a house on fire.

He said, “Ten days old, she’s all right. Mia has been a good big sister.”

MORE: The touching meaning behind Zara Tindall’s new baby’s name

The newest royal takes her place as 19th to the throne after her arrival two weeks ago - with Mum Zara at 17th, and sister Mia at 18th.

However, Mike appeared lighthearted about the fact that his wife and daughters will never become monarch, joking, “Every day getting further away...”

Zara and Mike were later on spotted at a lavish gala dinner at the Celtic Manor in Wales, shortly after the event - with the royal looking glowing in a flowing green gown.

The trip marked the first time Zara has appeared in public since giving birth.

It's likely that the next official royal event the 37-year-old will attend is the christening of cousin Prince William's new son, Prince Louis.

The Cambridge's baby boy will be christened on 9th July at St James's Palace, with Kensington Palace confirming that the 40-minute service will begin at 4pm.

Amy Hunt

Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.