Beano magazine. Credit: Instagram @beano_official
One for the comic fans: Former England rugby star Mike Tindall has made history as the first member of the royal family to guest-edit the Beano magazine.
The special edition, released February 12, celebrates 45 years of the comic’s superhero Bananaman.
Mike Tindall featured on Beano’s front cover with Bananaman
Mike Tindall, who is the husband of Zara Tindall (daughter of Princess Anne), appears in cartoon form wearing Bananaman’s iconic blue and yellow costume. He features in a special story where he teams up with the superhero to save Beanotown from a rampaging troll.
Speaking about the experience, Tindall said: “I loved reading Beano growing up, and now being able to share that with my own kids is really cool.” (Cited by The Daily Mail.)
In his editor’s letter, the 46-year-old reflected on childhood memories and the pranks he plays on his family.
“It’s important to set a good example, so I play pranks on the kids and their mum. I love hiding and jumping out to scare them. It works best on mum – she screams SO loudly!”
His three children, Mia (11), Lena (6), and Lucas (3), enjoy causing their own mischief, often hiding under the table to tie people’s shoelaces together.
Tindall used his platform to encourage children to take up sports, reflecting on his own journey in rugby. He shared how determination, resilience, and a good coach helped him go from a sports-loving child to a Rugby World Cup winner in 2003.
“Sport lets you hang out with your friends and have fun. Not every kid has access to sport, so if you do get the chance, please take it.”
He also highlighted his work with the Matt Hampson Foundation, which supports athletes recovering from serious injuries.
Tindall children are into sport like their father
Tindall’s children are already immersed in sport. He previously revealed that Lucas watched his first rugby game just 20 minutes after being born. While Mia isn’t fully interested in rugby, Lena still enjoys playing, and Tindall hopes to take them to more games.
The special Bananaman 45th-anniversary edition of Beano is now available in UK supermarkets, newsagents, and online.
In 2023, Beano made headlines for an apparent ‘woke’ makeover.
