William jokes with Rob Burrow about unflattering nickname after getting apology

11 January 2024 , 15:05

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Prince William has surprised inspirational campaigner Rob Burrow with his CBE in front of his emotional family - and revealed he got an apology from Mike Tindall after he revealed his unflattering nickname on a podcast hosted by the rugby league legend.

In his first royal engagement of 2024, William travelled to Headingley Stadium in Leeds to congratulate Rob and his former team mate Kevin Sinfield in their outstanding efforts to raise money and awareness of motor neurone disease, which Rob was diagnosed with in 2019 at the age of 37.

The meeting with William comes just weeks after the prince's nickname was revealed on Rob's podcast Seven when he welcomed William's cousin Zara Tindall on to his show along with her former rugby player husband Mike.

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Prince William meets former rugby league player Rob Burrow in Leeds today (Getty Images)

And Mike was warned he was in "so much trouble" after he revealed that he calls the Prince of Wales, 'One Pint Willy'. Mike made the admission after Rob said was keen to know if the pair have any nicknames for each other or other members of the Royal Family, including William, Kate, King Charles or Queen Camilla.

And speaking about William, Mike revealed: "For the Prince of Wales, he is known as One Pint Willy. He is known to me as One Pint Willy because he is not the best of drinkers, coming from a sport where it is built on the social aspect and a couple of beers being sunk quite often. That is one I will definitely give away for the Prince of Wales." However, after the revelation, a giggling Zara warned her husband: "Oh my god. You are in so much trouble."

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Today, as Rob welcomed William to Leeds, he alluded to the secrets Mike had told him on his podcast and it prompted William to say as he giggled: "It was you who got the nicknames out of him - he apologised to me about that. When I saw him, I said Mike, when you're not going to mention your nicknames doesn't mean you mention mine, it's not fair'. I'm sure it's quite fun with Mike."

William poses with Rob and his family after awarding him his CBE (Getty Images)

William also spoke with Kevin and Rob about their days with Leeds Rhinos, where they won a string of trophies together. He also chatted to families from across the UK and Ireland, who have been impacted by MND, and those raising funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, which will be a purpose-built centre at the Seacroft Hospital in Leeds for those battling the the illness.

At the end of the visit, he surprised them by presenting them with their CBEs in front of their family and friends after they were named in the New Year's Honours List for their extraordinary charity work and services to motor neurone disease awareness. The prince said: "I've brought a special couple of things up with me to give you today. I did check with Kevin to make sure you didn't want to go down to London to receive this, but I brought your CBEs up here to give to you today if that's okay, while you're in your home, in Leeds, surrounded by your family and friends. I thought today was a good day."

William told Burrow: "The most amount of thank yous and congratulations for all the inspirational work you've done Rob, you've been amazing and everyone's so proud of you. We've been following your case and all the money you've been raising, and you’re changing people's lives with MND."

Rob's daughters Macy and Maya practise their curtsies

The two men give William a tour of Headingley Stadium, home of Leeds Rhinos (PA)

Presenting Sinfield with his CBE, the prince said: "A huge, huge congratulations. It's been amazing what you've done. It really is. You've raised so much the profile of MND. Your brotherly bond and relationship between the two of you has been so amazing to watch – an inspiration to everyone to go, like this is how we help each other. The groundswell you've created in terms of fundraising and looking after each other and for MND is huge. Make sure you look after your knees, your hips, and everything else, but it’s been incredible."

Rob's daughters Macy and Maya, who had been practising their curtsies ahead of the meeting, also presented William with three gift bags for his children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

After being described by the prince as an inspiration to the MND community Rob said: "I can honestly say that I never set out to be an inspiration, I just wanted to try and help other people in a similar situation to me. I’m just trying to live my best life with the cards that I've been dealt. I wouldn't be here without the love and support of my wife Lindsey. She is stronger than any rugby player I ever played against."

William awards Kevin Sinfield his CBE as his wife Jayne looks on (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

He continued: "It is an honour to accept on behalf of the whole MND community. Days like today allow us to keep the spotlight on the disease and continue to raise awareness and, hopefully, funds to fight the disease and support those who are living with MND and their families. It was wonderful that His Royal Highness was able to come to Headingley to see us and very much appreciated. It was lovely to talk to him and for me to meet my family."

Kevin has raised over £15million since his friend Rob was diagnosed with MND, an incurable and life-limiting condition, in December 2019. Last month Sinfield, 43, completed the ‘7 in 7 in 7’ challenge by completing seven ultramarathons in seven cities in as many days.

Since his diagnosis, Pride of Britain winner Rob has written a book and allowed documentary film crews into his home, securing a National Television Award nomination. He even completed the Leeds Marathon with Kevin, his friend carrying him over the finish line. Rob had retired from professional rugby when he first showed symptoms. His speech had become slurred. Terror and despair followed the diagnosis, but very quickly the sportsman decided on positivity, determined to outlast predictions.