Prince George might have rugby royalty in "fun uncle" Mike Tindall, yet it's football that holds court in the Buckingham Palace gardens.
At just 11 years old, there's ample opportunity for the potential future king to take after Tindall, who spent 17 years on the rugby pitch. But the Gloucester legend hasn't yet managed to convert George from his first love.
Much like his father Prince William, he has a fervent interest in football as his initial choice of sport. Last year, 2003 World Cup winner Tindall spoke to The Telegraph about their relationship.
"George loves his football," the 46-year-old said. "I've played numerous times in the garden with him. He's passionate about Aston Villa, too. Wherever he is, he'll sit down and watch that game. They're just a family who love sport. Catherine loves her running."
You can often spot George alongside William at Villa Park. Curiosity over their allegiance to the team was cleared up by the Prince of Wales during a 2015 chat with Gary Lineker, reports Aberdeen Live.
Explaining their support, he revealed: "A long time ago at school I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn't want to follow the run-of-the-mill teams.
"I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa's always had a great history."
William's journey with Villa has indeed been a thrilling one. Since the birth of his son George, they've been relegated from the Premier League, had a three-season stint in the Championship, and now they're in the quarter-finals of the Champions League under the guidance of Unai Emery.
Meanwhile, Tindall has reportedly stepped into the "fun uncle" role previously held by Prince William's brother Harry, who moved to the United States with his wife Meghan Markle. Body language expert Judi James shared her insights with Fabulous magazine.
"George's original 'fun uncle' and adult playmate did that infamous bolt to the US, leaving a huge Harry-shaped gap in the young boy's life that Mike has more than filled," she explained.
"Mike is the fun uncle everyone needs, but in the case of Prince George, whose destiny is all about duty and responsible behaviour, Mike's presence in his life is completely invaluable."
Tindall and his wife Zara, 43, are believed to bring a lighthearted touch to the Royal Family. A source told The Times they act as the "glue of their generation of royals, no matter how serious the occasion", with Tindall and the heir to the throne having a so-called bromance.
