Mike Tindall has ’embarrassed’ the royal family after his company claimed furlough funds, a royal finances expert has said.
The former England rugby star, 42, who is married to the Queen’s granddaughter Zara, has a firm to manage his speaking engagements, which have dried up during the pandemic.
The company, Kimble Trading Ltd, has confirmed it claimed government aid. Accounts indicate it has only one member of staff.
Mike Tindall has ’embarrassed’ the royal family after his company claimed furlough funds, a royal finances expert has said
The ex-sportsman, who is thought to be worth several million pounds, is married to the Queen’s granddaughter Zara
The ex-sportsman, who is thought to be worth several million pounds, was said to have caused ‘reputational damage’ to the monarchy by David McClure, author of Royal Privilege: The Queen’s True Worth.
He said: ‘The royal family is all about good optics, that’s what they do, it’s all ceremony, it’s all image, it’s all promotion.
‘This does cause some reputational damage to the royal family, and I think the situation is slightly embarrassing for the royal family, without a doubt.’
His company Kimble Trading Ltd has admitted it received the government aid earmarked for at risk companies
According to The Sun, accounts said: ‘The outbreak of Covid-19 and subsequent restrictions imposed have led to a number of events in 2020 being cancelled.
‘The company has taken advantage of all available government aid in order to support the business and its employees through the crisis.’
It also appears on a government list of companies which have made use of the government grants.
Conservative MP Nigel Mills said about the Royal’s company: ‘It’s a bit rich for Mike Tindall to be taking money from the public purse.’
There is no suggestion of any illegality taking place.
His speaking firm appears on a government list of companies which have made use of the government grants
Furlough granted 80 per cent of employees’ normal wages up to £2,500 per month.
Tindall’s representative said he did not receive the furlough payment.
Tindall and his wife Zara live in the 730-acre Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire and are expecting their third child.
They have bubbled up with Princess Anne and Zara’s brother Peter Phillips and his family during lockdown.
He told The Times last week: ‘You always worry about money.
‘I was very fortunate that I had a couple of ambassadorial roles, so you know there’s money coming in, but sponsorships won’t last for ever.
‘You’ve got to plan and now with a third on the way and what’s coming down the line in terms of school bills, fees to pay…’
Tindall also laughed off suggestions he and Zara were trailblazers for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are now earning their own money.
He described being part of the royal family but needing to work as ‘something you just get used to’.
He added: ‘It has its benefits and it has its negatives. You think about what you do and you have to be aware of it, but it doesn’t necessarily dictate.’
Zara earns money from sponsorships and other ventures, while Tindall currently co-hosts a podcast – The Good, The Bad And The Rugby.
He has also made television appearances including taking part in The Jump and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive.
The government’s furlough scheme has so far cost taxpayers an estimated £50billion but has been used legally by a number of stars.
The grants were aimed at helping companies at risk of going under during the pandemic by taking on the wages of staff who could not work or who might have lost their jobs otherwise.
But some of the rich and famous, such as Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, Sir Richard Branson and Sir Philip Green, were criticised for claiming the taxpayer money despite their own personal wealth.