Princess Anne’s blunt response in pre-wedding interview as she dismisses line of questioning in the most *her* way
Princess Anne’s blunt response came ahead of her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips as she was asked about her skillset as a ‘housewife’
Princess Anne’s blunt response in a pre-wedding interview with Captain Mark Phillips saw her dismiss a line of questioning in the most *her* way.
- The Princess Royal once gave an interesting interview with her first husband Captain Mark Phillips ahead of their 1973 big day.
- Asked about how she thought she’d be as a “housewife”, Princess Anne gave some very clear answers that epitomised her no-nonsense attitude.
- This royal news comes as we revealed the relative who was “dead against” Zara and Mike Tindall marrying.
Over the years fans have seen several members of the Royal Family get candid about their relationships, especially after becoming engaged. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex both gave personal engagement interviews in 2010 and 2017 respectively. Decades earlier, Princess Anne took part in an equally memorable discussion. Ahead of Princess Anne’s first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips in November 1973, the senior royal and her husband-to-be were asked about their upcoming vows.
During the enlightening interview the then-22-year-old Princess Royal was asked her opinion on whether she’d “make a good housewife” and if she could cook and sew. And Princess Anne’s blunt response after giving some details couldn’t have been more *her*.
Pausing reflectively for a moment, the Princess Royal replied, “Well, that’s hardly up to me to say”, before later adding simply, “Yes, I’ve done a bit of cooking in my time.”
Princess Anne then gave another clipped reply after being asked whether she’d “like to cook” Captain Phillips’ breakfast in the morning before he went “off to work” once she became his wife.
“I can manage that. That’s easy. Especially when he’s eventing because he’s not going to get more than a cup of coffee,” the late Queen Elizabeth’s daughter answered.
The interviewer continued, “Can you sew? Can you put on a button?”, leading to Princess Anne’s blunt response, “Yes, I’m not totally useless. I was quite well educated, one way or another.”
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
It’s been claimed over the years that Princess Anne inherited Prince Philip’s “attitude” towards the press and she’s known for her dry wit and no-nonsense approach to royal life. Given the Princess Royal’s answers - in particular her quip about her education - during this 1973 interview, it seems that she was similarly practical and unfazed about her upcoming marriage.
Princess Anne’s blunt response also highlighted her confidence in her own skills and suggested she wasn’t viewing marriage to Captain Phillips as a major challenge. Her answers also contrast massively with those given by the Princess of Wales during her and Prince William’s engagement interview with ITV's Tom Bradby in 2010.
The future Queen Consort was also asked about her future, though the focus of the conversation was more upon how she would approach being a royal rather than specifically Prince William’s wife.
“It’s obviously nerve-wracking, because I don’t know the ropes, really. Williams’ obviously used to it. But, no, I’m willing to learn quickly and work hard”, she declared, as Prince William added encouragingly, “She’ll do really well”.
Princess Anne was of course born a member of the Royal Family and so was likely more used to what would lie in store for her than Princess Catherine at that time. However, both pre-wedding interviews are certainly enlightening when it comes to the fascinating insights they provide into these senior royals.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
We're still thinking about Helen Skelton's Western-style denim dress with candy pink court shoes
Helen's cowgirl-esque denim dress is a capsule wardrobe must have
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
'Can I paint over wallpaper?' an expert reveals what you need to know before wasting money on materials
A decorator with 50 years of experience says you can - but explains why you sometimes shouldn't
By Tamara Kelly Published
-
We've found the perfect £29 lookalike for Kate Middleton's staple £150 sunglasses
The Princess of Wales loves her tortoise-shell print sunglasses - and recreating her look is easy with this rival pair
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis set to be 'significant part' of mum Kate Middleton's recovery
According to a royal expert, the Princess of Wales wants to 'keep things as normal as possible' for her children
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's gorgeous old Hollywood sunhat she wore at Wimbledon is a bargain in the sale
Kate's exact sunhat she looked incredible in at Wimbledon 2022 is in the sale
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton's timeless trench coat is perfect for rainy spring days and chilly summer breezes
The Princess of Wales knows a classic piece when she sees one and her stunning trench coat from 2011 is a style staple that will last years
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William are 'still loved up' 13 years on from the 'intense passion' on their wedding day
The Prince and Princess of Wales have always had a deep relationship and a strong bond, a body language expert says
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Royal brides and their 'something blue': From Kate Middleton's secret detail to Zara Tindall's protocol-breaker
Many royal brides' 'something blue' isn't noticeable to anyone else but they've included it as a special nod to the wedding tradition
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's white jeans and sheer tie-up cardigan encapsulated 2006 - and they're back in style
The Princess of Wales's white jeans and cardigan combination for a day at the polo in 2006 showcased noughties styling at its best
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
There was a protocol mistake at Kate and William's wedding you might never have noticed - involving the Queen
There was an error when it came to following royal protocol for the Queen's arrival at the wedding
By Jess Bacon Published