Former rugby player James Haskell reveals why he was ‘disappointed’ by Windsor Castle

The royal family often welcomes guests to their hallowed halls, whether they are heads of state, politicians or royal visitors from overseas.

But it seems the hardest to please was former England rugby player James Haskell.

James, 39, sat in the Green Room at Windsor Castle in September 2023 with fellow podcasters Alex Payne and Mike Tindall to interview Princess Anne and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Despite being surrounded by what was “one of the most lavish and expensive interior decoration schemes ever undertaken in England”, according to the Royal Collection Trust, James was not amused.

In a new interview with The Telegraph to promote his upcoming book, The Good, the Bad & the Rugby – Unleashed, with Mike Tindall and Alex Payne, the former flanker said he was particularly “disappointed” with the selection of biscuits that were ‘offer to the royal residence.

Former rugby player James Haskell (pictured) revealed he was ‘disappointed’ with the selection of biscuits at Windsor Castle

“I was expecting big trays loaded with scones and exotic fruitcakes,” said James. “Instead, I got a couple of broken high teas and what looked like a half-eaten malted milk – the remains of a box of Family Circle biscuits.

But thankfully the former Wasps player didn’t leave Windsor Castle hungry.

He said: “Luckily I had brought a sandwich from M&S, but as I started to eat it, someone appeared and pushed me into an aisle.

“They had been on red alert since our MD spilled coffee on what was probably a priceless Chippendale cabinet.”

Trying to devour an M&S sandwich in front of royalty wasn’t the only protocol James broke that day.

Before the podcast was recorded, he introduced himself to Prince William with the rather colloquial words: “It’s fine, boss.”

It was an unlikely group: three boisterous rugby fans sitting across from three of the tallest royals. But of course the chat was created by podcast host Mike, who has three children with Zara Tindall and simply asked his mother-in-law if she was free.

More than 3.6 million people have tuned in to hear the candid conversation on the Good, the Bad and the Rugby YouTube channel alone.

The Good, the Bad and the Rugby co-hosts Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall sit in the Green Room at Windsor Castle with Princess Anne and the Prince and Princess of Wales in September 2023

James Haskell photographed talking to Princess Anne and the Prince of Wales during the podcast recording

James said he was impressed by the Princess Royal’s knowledge of the sport. Princess Anne (pictured) is the president of the British Olympic Association and patron saint of Scottish rugby

The official photograph taken on Harry and Meghan’s wedding day was taken in the Green Drawing Room, which was “one of the most lavish and expensive interior decoration schemes ever undertaken in England”, according to the Royal Collection Trust.

After their 50-minute fireside chat about all things sports, James revealed he was most impressed by Mike’s mother-in-law.

The Princess Royal is not only a former Olympian, but also the President of the British Olympic Association and Patron Saint of Scottish Rugby.

James writes in the book: “Princess Anne knew more about sport than almost anyone I have ever met.”

It is surprising that James fought at Windsor Castle considering his own experience of being part of a famous family.

The former rugby player married Chloe Madeley, daughter of TV stars Richard and Judy, in December 2018.

The couple share a daughter named Bodhi, one.

Mike knew Chloe, having appeared together in the Channel 4 series The Jump. “She’s basically a female version of Hask,” he writes, “which made for an interesting relationship.”

After five years of marriage, James and Chloe announced their separation in October 2023.

Last Thursday, Chloe appeared on Olivia Attwood’s So Wrong It’s Right podcast and opened up about the breakdown of her marriage.

The fitness guru, 37, said: “His schedule, I can’t even remember when he was in England for a whole week. He’s all over the place and I can’t do it. You can’t live like that.

“I think he knew he was really unhappy,” she added. “And I think I knew he was really unhappy too. But I don’t think either of us ever predicted we’d break up. Never.’

James Haskell, 39, and Chloe Madeley, 37, announced their split in October 2023 (pictured arriving at Windsor Castle for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding)

But Chloe said she remembers the exact moment she declared she was convinced the relationship was over.

“I swear to God it was like one day, I remember exactly where we were; I remember the day, the time, the temperature, the outfit, everything; I just remember just saying, ‘I don’t think we should do this— the more”, but really meant and it went from there.

“It doesn’t just happen, it didn’t happen to us anyway. It was cultivated as time went by, and now it’s still like that.”

Chloe revealed on the podcast that even though she had downloaded dating apps, she wasn’t ready to start seeing other people just yet.

The couple, who starred in their own ITV reality show Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair, announced: “Chloe and I have decided to separate at the end of September 2023.

“We had no plans to make a statement at this time, certainly not while the TV show was airing, but unfortunately the constant speculation about our marriage has forced our hand.

“Beyond this statement, we will not discuss this matter publicly and would request privacy at this time.

“Our only focus now is our beautiful daughter. We will continue to co-parent with only love.’