Former Rugby Pro Turned Gin Entrepreneur, Mike Tindall, Apologizes for Revealing Prince William’s ‘One Pint Willy’ Nickname
Britain’s Prince William drinks a pint of cider as he and Kate, Princess of Wales, visit the Dog & Duck pub in London on May 4, 2023, to hear how it’s preparing for the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort at the weekend. (Photo: Jamie Lorriman/Pool Photo via AP)
Blackeye Gin co-owner and former rugby star Mike Tindall has publicly apologized to the Prince of Wales for disclosing the playful nickname “One Pint Willy,” as reported by People on Thursday.
This revelation took place during a segment on the BBC’s “Total Sport Podcast” special series Seven, where Tindall candidly shared that Prince William earned the moniker due to his modest drinking capacity, a fact communicated to Tindall by Zara, his wife — and the cousin of the prince.
“The Prince of Wales is known to me as ‘One-Pint Willy’ because he’s not the best of drinkers,” said Tindall, according to People. “Coming from a sport where it is built on the social aspect and a couple of beers being sunk quite often, that is one I will definitely give away for the Prince of Wales.”
“One-Pint Willy,” the former rugby star added. “It’s out there now, sorry, sir.”
As detailed in the report, William engaged in a light-hearted discussion about the nickname during a surprise visit to Leeds, where he interacted with ex-rugby stars and Motor Neurone Disease (MND) campaigners Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow.
“I think that might be some of the nicknames,” William told Burrow on Thursday, per the Mirror. “Was it you who got the nicknames out of him?”
“He apologised to me about that,” the prince continued. “I was like, ‘Mike, when you say you’re not going to mention anyone’s nicknames, that doesn’t mean you can then mention my nickname. That’s not fair.’”
Tindall and fellow former rugby player James Haskell, along with TV presenter Alex Payne, launched Blackeye Gin in September 2023, deeming it the “unofficial spirit of rugby.” Produced in collaboration with Hawkridge Distillers, the London dry gin features a blend of citrus, florals and juniper, incorporating botanicals from popular rugby-loving nations.
(Photo: Blackeye Gin)
The founders aim to support rugby’s future through the Blackeye Fund, donating £1.50 ($2) from each bottle sold. The fund will focus on research, risk management and recovery for rugby players. Blackeye Gin, initially inspired by the founders’ podcast, is priced at £35.95 ($46) and available at Master of Malt, select Sainsbury’s stores and online.
Meanwhile, in the realm of the royal family and their famous love of good booze, King Charles III is known to enjoy a gin martini every night. Similarly, Queen Consort Camilla is reported to watch Netflix series “The Crown” while sipping on a large glass of gin and tonic, while Catherine, Princess of Wales, was treated to her favorite dessert being transformed into a gin liqueur. The princess is also reportedly served a gin and tonic made by William every night, according to a close friend of the royals. Queen Elizabeth II was also notorious for appreciating a well-crafted gin drink, specifically the sweet and elegant Gin and Dubonnet.
Read next:
Top 8 Gins Launched in Celebration of King Charles III’s Coronation
The Prince and Princess of Wales Surprise Fans With Impromptu Gin Tasting
The Royal Gin Martini: Inside King Charles’ Daily Cocktail Ritual
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