Princess Anne’s hilarious elevator anecdote proves things don’t always go ‘quite according to plan’ for Royal Family
Princess Anne once recalled an unforgettable journey to a royal engagement with her parents that is totally surprising…
Princess Anne’s hilarious elevator anecdote proved things don’t always go ‘quite according to plan’ for the Royal Family.
- The Princess Royal got candid about how she learnt by experience during an interview in a documentary to mark her 70th birthday in 2020.
- Princess Anne shared a surprising story about a man accidentally joining her and her parents in an elevator ahead of a royal engagement.
- This royal news comes as it was revealed Queen Camilla's A-lister pals include an Oscar winner, renowned authors, and a drag queen.
Over the past few years the Princess Royal has consistently been the hardest working royal in light of the huge number of engagements she carries out, both in the UK and abroad. It was shortly before her 19th birthday in 1969 that Princess Anne accompanied her late parents the Queen and Prince Philip on a state visit to Austria and from there her dedication to representing the country abroad continued to shine through. Princess Anne spoke about first undertaking engagements on the 2020 documentary, Anne: The Princess Royal at 70.
And it seems that despite some perhaps thinking otherwise, the royals learn on the job as Princess Anne’s hilarious elevator anecdote was shared with viewers…
“People talk about being trained to become a member of the Royal Family,” the Princess Royal said, briefly closing her eyes, seemingly a little exasperated. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, there is no such thing. It’s just learning by experience. But it hardly ever does go quite according to plan. You have to learn that.”
She went on to explain, “One that sticks in my mind about going up in a lift. There was the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Lady-in-Waiting and me. We were all dressed for quite a smart do somewhere and we went from the ground floor - we were only supposed to be going two stories! - and it went up to about the 19th floor.”
It was then, the King’s sister revealed the rather surprising sight that met their eyes when the elevator doors finally opened as they were joined by a complete stranger.
“This chap got in thinking he was going for a, you know, a spa treatment,” she said, laughing as she recalled the hilarious occurrence. “He was slightly surprised…”
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.
This was one of several rather surprising stories told by and about the Princess Royal in this enlightening documentary, which also saw her former classmate explain that Princess Anne used to “break out” of school to go to the fish and chip shop. Whilst Princess Anne's way of seeking out people at the back of Holyroodhouse garden parties was also revealed.
Throughout the documentary her hard-working nature and down-to-earth sense of humor also came shining through - something also captured in Princess Anne’s hilarious elevator anecdote.
And it seems that whilst she learnt by experience and came to appreciate how things don’t always go quite as planned at engagements, her parents apparently sometimes *hoped* things wouldn’t always be so perfect.
Getting candid about his grandparents’ sense of fun in the BBC’s Prince Philip documentary last year, Prince Harry explained, “My grandpa has a very good sense of humor, and he enjoys playing practical jokes, he enjoys teasing, and he loved things going wrong."
"Both my grandparents love that, because you can imagine they live a life where everything has to go right the whole time, so when things go wrong, they both chuckle an awful lot. Everyone else gets mortally embarrassed, but they love it,” he declared.
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!
-
Monty Don says now is the time to take hardwood cuttings to create new shrubs, bushes and trees
If you want to grow your garden and do so on a budget, this is the season to take hardwood cuttings and start the propagation process
By Emily Smith Published
-
How to plant amaryllis bulbs in pots: expert tips for these festive flowers
Learning how to plant amaryllis bulbs will reward you with stunning indoor blooms this winter – and it's easy once you know how
By Holly Crossley Published
-
Princess Anne wrapped up warm and chic in burnt orange coat, fluffy hat and mid calf boots for day at the races
The Princess Royal wore a stunning orange coat with easy-to-style accessories to Cheltenham Festival in 2015 - and she looked so cosy
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne’s purple cape and knee high kitten heel boots was the most *her* outfit for a freezing day
The Princess Royal's signature style champions practicality and bold colours and her 2016 Cheltenham outfit was the epitome of this
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne's dainty gold drop earrings are her go-to for adding a dash of dazzle to her day to day dressing
Princess Anne loves this pair of gold drop earrings and they're the perfect accessory to add glamour in an understated way
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne was the epitome of cosy elegance in snowy white coat and suede knee high boots for family outing
The Princess Royal wore a beautiful white coat and tan suede boots on Christmas Day last year and showed how timeless these pieces are
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne looked so cosy-chic in her classic camel coat, mid-calf boots and sentimental scarf
The Princess Royal went for her signature timeless style as she enjoyed a day at the races - and her scarf was reportedly a sweet gift
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne’s chocolate brown knee high boots prove comfort and style go hand-in-hand on cold autumn days
The Princess Royal has just re-worn her trusty brown knee high boots and reminded us that practicality and style are the perfect pairing
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne’s major responsibility that she shares with only King Charles and Prince William is seriously special
The Princess Royal has many royal duties and one of her key roles is something she shares with only two other Royal Family members
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne’s husband was granted special privilege by Queen Elizabeth after major family change - and only one other adult royal got it too
Princess Anne's husband Sir Timothy Laurence was one of two royal adults who had an exception made for them by Queen Elizabeth
By Emma Shacklock Published