Former rugby union player James Haskell has made a candid remark about the British royal family in a recent interview, offering a frank opinion on their dynamic.

Speaking to The Times, Haskell, who is close friends with Mike Tindall, shared his thoughts on the royals, stating that while they do “amazing work,” they are also a “very dysfunctional” modern family.

“I’ve spent time with the royals. Some aren’t as great as others,” Haskell admitted. “They do amazing work — but they’re also a modern family that’s very dysfunctional.”

Despite this strong comment, the 39-year-old also acknowledged the royal family’s important role. “I went to Harry and Meghan’s wedding. I went to Mike and Zara’s wedding. To those who want to get rid of the monarchy — once they’re gone, they’re gone. There’s no going back, so remember they serve an important role. I love what they do.”

Haskell also shared a glimpse into Zara and Mike Tindall’s wedding, describing it as “the perfect combination of ceremony and romance,” while also reflecting their fun-loving personalities.

James co-hosts The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast with Mike, where they discuss rugby, life, and their personal experiences. The podcast, launched in 2020, has garnered a significant following, with over three million listeners.

The duo, alongside former Sky presenter Alex Payne, also released a book titled The Good, the Bad & the Rugby: Unleashed in October, reflecting on the highs and lows of their podcast, friendship, and rugby careers.

This isn’t the first time Haskell has shared his thoughts on the royal family. Previously, he discussed Mike Tindall’s personality on Good Morning Britain, describing him as a “calm guy” who is “much more relaxed” than Haskell himself. He also praised Mike for being part of “one of the most famous and best families in the world.”

Last year, Haskell and Tindall appeared on Good Morning Britain to talk about their podcast, where they welcomed the Prince and Princess of Wales as guests. Haskell described the couple as “a regular family” with “a wicked sense of humor,” emphasizing their down-to-earth nature despite their royal status.