Mike Tindall announces death of father Philip after long Parkinson's battle

Mike Tindall has announced the death of his father, Philip Tindall, after more than 20 years living with Parkinson's disease.

The former England rugby player shared the news on the September 23, 2026 episode of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, the rugby podcast he co-hosts. He said his father had died last week.

He was 80, according to The Sun. Tindall described his father's long illness as "brutal". Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition that affects movement and balance. His tribute on the podcast was short and direct, and centred on his father.

The announcement came at the start of the episode, as reported by Hello Magazine. Listeners heard Tindall pay tribute in his own words. The programme gave no further medical details. The emphasis was on remembrance.

Philip Tindall was a rugby man long before his son played for England. He made his debut for Otley Rugby Club, the Yorkshire rugby union side, in the 1963-64 season when he was 17. He went on to captain the club in 1972-73, leading the side for a full season. Otley marked his death with a minute's silence before its match against Chester, with players and supporters standing together.

That silence is a familiar mark of respect in rugby, held on the pitch before kick-off. For Otley it also recognised a former captain and long-standing club figure. The club connection mattered to the family, and Tindall returned to it in his tribute.

Mike Tindall has spoken several times over the years about what the illness meant for the family. He learned of his father's Parkinson's diagnosis while travelling to Sydney. In 2020 he said his father had then lived with the condition for 17 years. By 2021 he put the figure at 20 years, a measure of how long the family had managed the disease.

He has also spoken about the practical help around his father. In 2021 he praised his wife, Zara Tindall, for the support she gave his father. Zara Tindall is the daughter of Anne, Princess Royal. That year the family was reunited with Philip Tindall after six months apart, a separation that made the reunion especially felt.

What stands out is the continuity. A father who debuted at 17 and captained his club. A son who went on to play for England. The club's silence said the rest.