Princess Anne, known for her tireless work ethic and straightforward demeanor, has recently been the subject of light-hearted revelations from her children.
In a documentary celebrating her 70th birthday in 2020, both Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall shared amusing insights into their mother’s personality that highlight her more annoying traits, despite her commitment to royal duties.
As the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Anne has championed numerous causes throughout her life, advocating for children, supporting individuals with disabilities, and assisting caregivers.
Yet, like any parent, she also has her quirks, which her children were eager to poke fun at during the interview.
Zara, who turned 43 on May 15, remarked on her mother’s impressive capacity for retaining information.
“She’s like a sponge,” Zara said, emphasizing the vast knowledge Princess Anne possesses.
However, she quickly added, “It’s incredible, but quite annoying, as well.” Peter chimed in, agreeing that this trait can indeed be bothersome.
The siblings reminisced about their own experiences of parenting, particularly how they enjoy leaving their children with their mother.
Peter, who shares daughters Savannah and Isla with his ex-wife Autumn Phillips, mentioned how Princess Anne loves having her grandchildren around for activities reminiscent of their own childhood.
“She enjoys taking them riding and hosting Sunday lunches,” he noted, while Zara humorously added, “We quite like leaving them on Sundays, saying we’ll pick them up later.”
Interestingly, Zara has previously expressed her feelings about not holding an official royal title, unlike some of her cousins.
She stated, “I’m very lucky that both my parents decided not to use titles.
We grew up doing things that gave us opportunities.” This perspective reflects a sense of gratitude and humility, which seems to resonate within the family.
The documentary featured other notable figures who praised Princess Anne’s contributions, including Lord Sebastian Coe.
He highlighted her crucial role in securing London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics, describing her involvement as “seismic.” Coe noted that she was direct and did not shy away from speaking her mind, a characteristic that has made her a respected figure.
In a humorous anecdote, Coe recalled a moment during a committee meeting when Princess Anne forgot to turn off her microphone.
After a lengthy speech from another member, she candidly remarked, “I think this person is probably the most stupid person in world sport.” The comment echoed around the room, yet she remained unfazed, showcasing her unfiltered honesty.
This blend of humor and admiration from her children and peers paints a vivid picture of Princess Anne as a multifaceted individual.
While she is undoubtedly committed to her royal responsibilities, her family’s playful jabs reveal a more relatable, human side.
As the royal family continues to evolve, Princess Anne remains a steadfast presence, balancing her duties with her unique personality traits.
Her ability to inspire and engage with those around her, including her grandchildren, speaks volumes about her character.
In a world where royal duties often seem distant from everyday life, Princess Anne’s blend of dedication and down-to-earth charm reminds us that even royals have their quirks.