Mike Tindall admits to 'difficult moments' in his marriage to Zara

Mike Tindall has opened up about his 15-year marriage to Zara Tindall in a candid new interview.

The couple tied the knot in July 2011 and are the proud parents to three children, 12-year-old Mia, eight-year-old Lena, and Lucas, five. 

Their relationship is clearly going from strength to strength, and the pair are frequently seen laughing together and sharing loving moments on public outings.

But, just like any other couple, they have experienced their share of difficult moments.

Mike, 47, told the Talk Horse podcast: "I think it all depends on the scenario. 

"I think it's very easy when it's around sport or whether it's around the animals and the kids, but obviously other nuances become more difficult."

He continued: "I think neither of us necessarily chase out confrontation until it happens. That's sometimes not the best way of doing it.

"But then when it happens, I think we're probably pretty good at actually talking about it. You've just got to try and muddle your way through. It's never easy, is it?"

He then cheekily confessed that sometimes "you just want to annoy someone, just for the sake of it", adding, "I probably do that a bit too much!"

Mike on how he tries to make Zara laugh on competition days

Mike also reflected on the fact that both he and Zara have been professional sports figures and therefore understand each other's needs.

He revealed that he tries to give his wife some space before her cross-country competitions, which require "massive focus". But, he added: "I try and make her laugh every now and again to remind her you don't have to be that serious."

It's a path he also tries to follow after a competition. "Depending on how it's gone, you react in the appropriate way," he said.

"It could go really bad or it could have gone really well, where you can go, 'You almost [expletive] up there!' I think that's where you know those nuances where you can either lean in, lean out. I think that's how and why it's worked so well."

Zara's working mum guilt

Mike also reflected on Zara's ability to still compete as a mum-of-three. "You forget sometimes life is hard when kids come along and you try to still compete," he said.

"Fortunately, when Mia came along, that was my last year, so I haven't been a professional athlete whilst the kids have been around."

He then acknowledged the guilt Zara can experience trying to combine motherhood with elite sport.

"You've got to try and play a support role at the same time because mums do have mother's guilt. It's a thing," he said.

"And it can be really hard at times. I won't say I get it right all the time, but you've got to try and do it whatever ways you can."