In a surprising turn of events, Princess Anne, known for her adherence to royal protocols, found herself in a bit of a pickle during an official banquet at Buckingham Palace.
The event was hosted for the Emir of Qatar and his wife, Sheikha Jawahar bin Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, and it showcased not only the grandeur of the royal family but also their occasional human moments.
On that Tuesday evening, as the festivities were underway, a video captured the Princess almost breaching royal etiquette.
In a moment that could have easily gone unnoticed, she nearly clinked her drink with the Emir’s cup without first ensuring it was appropriate to do so.
It was a brief lapse, but one that highlighted the delicate balance royals must maintain when it comes to tradition.
Fortunately, Princess Anne quickly corrected herself.
With her drink still full, she took a moment to glance around, ensuring that no one else was waiting to partake in the ceremonial clinking of cups.
After confirming her surroundings were clear, she nodded and finally took a sip.
It was a small act, yet it spoke volumes about the pressures of royal life.
This incident comes on the heels of another recent engagement where Princess Anne demonstrated her commitment to royal decorum.
Just weeks prior, she presented Queen Camilla with an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of London.
This gesture not only celebrated Camilla’s efforts in promoting literacy but also underscored Anne’s respect for the royal hierarchy.
During that event, Princess Anne faced a similar situation concerning protocol.
When Queen Camilla invited her to enter the room first, the Princess politely declined, allowing the Queen to lead the way.
This moment epitomized the respect and deference that are hallmarks of royal interactions.
Eyewitnesses at the banquet noted how carefully Princess Anne navigated her surroundings before taking that sip.
It was as if she were conducting a silent check, ensuring that she adhered to the unspoken rules governing royal behavior.