Princess Anne's quick-witted response when cheeky 11-year-old asks her 'how many ponies she has'
The Princess Royal is on a tour overseas
Princess Anne showed her quick wit and charm during her trip to South Africa, as she visited the South African Riding for the Disabled Association in Cape Town.
While presenting rosettes to young riders, she encountered an inquisitive 11-year-old named Lashwil. Lashwil boldly asked: “How many ponies do you have?”
“More than I should have,” the Princess Royal, 74, quipped with a smile, before adding: “There’s one I do ride.”
Princess Anne has a life-long passion for horses, having competed as a three-day eventer in the 1976 Montreal Olympics and supporting numerous equine charities, including The Horse Trust and World Horse Welfare.
Princess Anne in South Africa
Anne’s humour shone throughout her visit, including a moment in the stables where a grey pony was kicking his stall door.
“Oh dear, interrupting another smooth running day,” she quipped.
But upon learning the pony’s name was Maverick, the princess was stunned. “He’s actually called Maverick?” She queried.
More than I should have. There’s one I do ride.
The princess also visited the British High Commission. Whilst she was there, she helped complete the planting of a rose variety named in her honour – the Princess Anne.
Reflecting on her personal connection to the flowers, Anne remarked: “I have a couple that have survived. I’m impressed that they do well here.”
Anne’s visit to Cape Town was a solo journey.
Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, stayed in the UK after suffering a suspected torn ligament while working on their Gatcombe estate.
Princess Anne ‘snubs’ Prince Andrew
Meanwhile, in other royal news, Prince Andrew was reportedly absent from a recent family event hosted by his sister, Anne.
Andrew has largely retreated from public life since stepping back from royal duties in 2019 due to his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Princess Royal held a dinner at Windsor earlier this month in her role as Warden of Gordonstoun School.
Unlike Anne, who did not attend the school, Andrew and his brothers – King Charles and Prince Edward – were alumni of the prestigious institution.
However, according to MailOnline, Andrew was not on the guest list.
“I’m sure the duke would have loved to have attended the dinner if he had been invited,” a source claimed.
Queen Camilla visits hospital
Whilst Anne is busy in South Africa, other royals have been seen out on engagements this week.
Queen Camilla visited the Great Western Hospital in Swindon on Tuesday.
This hospital is a place of personal significance as it was where she gave birth to her daughter, Laura Lopes.
Camilla commended the hospital’s exceptional care. “I am so impressed by this A&E,” she gushed. “I have had very good feedback because I have had friends who come here and grandchildren who have been here on several occasions.”
She added: “I probably haven’t been inside this hospital for 47 years – since I had my daughter, so that was a few years ago. I do know from first-hand experience the difference you are making to this part of the country. So, congratulations to you all.”
Read more: Strict rules the royal family follows – from heirs travelling apart to avoiding shellfish
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