James Haskell and Mike Tindall have taken a swing at Meghan Markle’s cheerleader, Omid Scobie, in their upcoming book *The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby: Unleashed*, set to hit the shelves on October 24th. This pair of cheeky chaps doesn’t hold back when it comes to critiquing the world of American royal fandom, and their comments are sure to ruffle a few feathers among Meghan’s most ardent supporters.
Haskell, known for his brash wit, doesn’t mince words when describing Scobie, a journalist and close friend of Prince Harry and Meghan. In his book, he dubs Scobie a “very odd bloke” and throws in the zinger that royal fans can be “mental.” He particularly targets the term “Scobieites,” which seems to sum up the peculiar loyalty of Meghan’s fan base, suggesting that they’re an especially deranged group. This blunt assessment will likely resonate with anyone who has spent time in the bizarre online world of Meghan fandom, where rational discourse often takes a backseat to fervent adulation.
Mike Tindall, the former England rugby star and husband of Zara Tindall, doesn’t shy away from piling on either. During a promotional interview with *The Telegraph*, Tindall reflects on Scobie’s previous criticisms, including a pointed remark about Tindall cashing in on his royal connections by participating in *I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!* The tension between Meghan and Tindall is palpable, especially given the backdrop of Meghan’s departure from royal life, which stands in stark contrast to Tindall’s experience joining the royal family in 2011.
Tindall paints a picture of cordiality, stating that marrying into the royal fold was “pretty easy” for him. Meghan’s narrative has been one of conflict and distress, as she has painted a grim picture of her time with the royals, filled with tense relationships and miscommunications—most notably with Catherine, Princess of Wales, over something as trivial as flower girl dresses. In contrast, Mike Tindall appears to have cultivated a friendly rapport with the royal family, even claiming to have a special bond with Prince William and his children.
As a royal insider once noted, Mike and Zara are seen as the “glue” of their generation, providing much-needed levity amidst royal responsibilities. This idyllic portrayal sharply contrasts with Meghan’s chaotic narrative and raises questions about the validity of her claims regarding royal life. Mike seems to have nurtured his relationships with his in-laws and is said to be very close to William, Catherine, and their three children, particularly their eldest son, George, with whom Mike says he’s played football in the garden numerous times.
Prince William is known to enjoy a bromance with Tindall, so it comes as no surprise that Mike is also close to his eldest son. Speaking to *The Times* earlier this year, a royal source dubbed Mike and Zara the “glue” of their generation of royals. “No matter how serious the occasion, they can help take the family's mind off the gravity of what’s going on,” the source added. “While some family members can be very royal, Mike’s just himself and is relaxed and playful with George, Charlotte, and Louis.” It helps that they all have children around the same age, allowing them to enjoy time together privately and bring a sense of normalcy to what is a stressful situation for everyone involved.
With the release of their book, Haskell and Tindall aren’t just challenging Scobie; they’re also drawing attention to the absurdities of celebrity culture and royal fandom. The humor shines a spotlight on the contradictions within Meghan’s story, turning the lens back on her and her supporters.
