Zara Tindall has had a close relationship with Prince William since childhood - but he can still manage to surprise her.
The two cousins, born just 13 months apart, have continued to be good friends throughout adulthood, and have formed a tight group with their respective partners, Princess Kate and Mike Tindall.
In September 2023, rugby star Mike hosted William and Kate, as well as his mother-in-law Princess Anne, on his podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby. And it was then that the Prince made a surprising confession about Zara.
During the podcast, William sweetly admitted to crying when he watched Zara win the European Championship on her beloved horse, Toytown, in 2005. "I was down in Exmoor at the time camping," he said. "We were all huddling around the phone watching it. She was there, she was blubbing away, the flag was going up. I was in pieces."
Wife Kate then added: "I can remember because you came back and said I've never been so proud of anyone."
Speaking to Women's Weekly alongside Mike three months later, Zara admitted: "I've never heard him say that before. I was very surprised, but one of my absolute favourite occasions was riding at the Olympics and getting a team Silver.
"All of my cousins came and watched on the final day. Everyone's usually so busy, it's hard to come and watch, so it was amazing to have everyone there. It made it even more special than it already was. They were all very supportive and proud. It was great."
The friendship between the Tindalls and the Waleses is something inherited by their six children, who enjoy frequent playdates together.
As the royals arrived for the traditional Christmas Day service last year, little Louis was seen beaming as he held hands with his second cousin Mia Tindall, while Mike affectionately ruffled Prince George's hair after the service. Princess Charlotte and Mia were also spotted giggling away together - just as they did at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert.
Though Zara is not a working royal and has experienced less media attention than William, the pair are very protective of each other.
In a Channel 5 documentary, 'Zara & Anne: Like Mother Like Daughter', Victoria Arbiter said: "For William in particular, trust is everything so when you've got a cousin that understands what it is to be a member of the Royal Family, but they don't have the same pressures associated with it, they can be a tower of strength and support.
"It's Zara's loyalty and total dedication to her family that has made her such an asset to the cousins who have had to endure the negative side of royal life."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at yourmirror@trinitymirror.com