Mike Tindall claims COVID-19 benefit for his business

The England rugby star and spouse of the Queen’s granddaughter Zara sought government support for his firm despite a reported $27 million fortune.

Royal husband Mike Tindall has been claiming UK government support for his business even though he is reportedly worth more than £15 million ($27 million).

The ex-England rugby star — married to the Queen’s granddaughter Zara — sought aid for the firm that manages his speaking engagements after they dried up, The Sun reports.

Last year the England World Cup winner was named the globe’s fourth-richest rugby player by Ruck magazine, but he has now claimed COVID-19 support through Britain’s furlough scheme (the UK’s version of JobKeeper).

England rugby star Mike Tindal, pictured with royal wife Zara, claimed COVID-19 support for his firm despite his reported $27 million fortune. Picture by Luke Marsden.

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Accounts for the 42-year-old’s firm Kimble Trading Ltd, filed in December, state: “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.”

According to the accounts, the company has only one member of staff — believed to be Tindall himself.

It also appears on a government list of firms using the furlough scheme, which pays 80 per cent of a worker’s salary.

Conservative MP Nigel Mills said: “It’s a bit rich for Mike Tindall to be taking money from the public purse.”

Tindall’s business accounts are published every year. Forensic accountant Steve Hale, of Perrys, examined them for The Sun.

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The 42-year-old is thought to be receiving about $1300 a month from the UK version of JobKeeper. Picture: Nigel Hallett

He said: “Under normal circumstances, Mike Tindall appears to make most of his money through share dividends and interest-free loans from his company. Over the years he has ‘borrowed’ nearly £330,000 ($589,000), and every year he adds to this ‘debt’.

“It’s a way of taking money out of the business while paying less tax in the short term.

“He will also pay himself a small salary — small enough that he won’t have to pay National Insurance on it, probably around £730 ($1303) a month.

“The furlough scheme will pay 80 per cent of that salary, so he’s probably getting around £584 ($1042) a month.

“What he’s done is not illegal and is similar to what many small businessmen have done during this pandemic. But I guess most of them don’t have the resources and connections he does.”

The furlough scheme, which will cost taxpayers at least £50 billion ($89 billion), was designed to stop Covid-hit businesses from going bust — potentially leaving millions jobless.

A spokeswoman for Tindall insisted he had not been personally furloughed but refused to answer any further questions.

The spokeswoman also disputed the figures reached by Mr Hale.

Tindall and Zara have shared the 730-acre Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire with her mum Princess Anne since 2013.

In December they revealed they are expecting their third child.

Last week, Tindall told The Times he “always worries about money” for bills and school fees but had been “fortunate” to have a couple of ambassadorial roles.

Zara has been a brand ambassador for big names including Rolex and Land Rover.

The article originally appeared on The Sun and is published here with permission.