Princess Anne has made a rare reference to her grandchildren during a trip to the Naval Children’s Charity in Portsmouth.

The Princess Royal has five grandchildren, four of them granddaughters and whose ages range from four to fourteen years old, through her children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall,

 

Anne was was making her first appearance at the naval charity after assuming the role of patron in March.

She followed on in the prestigious position from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who had supported the charity for seventy years.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne revealed some details about her grandchildren in a rare reference to them

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GETTY

While meeting with staff, Anne was shown various merchandise the charity sells to raise funds – including a child sized apron.

The famously witty royal shot back: “Yes, I don’t think that’s going to fit me.”

After making the quip, the Princess Royal added: “It might fit my granddaughters.”

“They all cook actually,” she revealed.

Princess Anne

The Princess Royal was visiting the Naval Children’s Charity in Portsmouth

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The Naval Children’s Charity CEO, Clare Scherer, amused by the commentary then pointed out an adult version of the apron was also available.

Anne has four granddaughters, two through her son Peter Phillips: Savannah, 14, and Isla, 13.

Her daughter Zara also shares three children with former England rugby legend Mike Tindall, Mia, 11, Lena, seven, and the Princess Royal’s only grandson: four-year-old Lucas.

The importance of family was evidently on Anne’s mind during the visit as she made an impromptu speech to staff about the unique difficulties faced by those connected to the Royal Navy.

Zara Tindall, Mike Tindall, Mia and Lena

Anne has five grandchildren, four of them granddaughters, through her children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall

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“This is about families of people who serve and that is a difficult relationship sometimes, but it needs to be remembered and is at the forefront of what you do,” she said.

“When you’re as scattered as the Naval families are, that can be a real challenge in a way that nobody else quite has…thank you for maintaining that link,” the Princess Royal empathised.

Anne’s visit marked the 200th anniversary of organisation, which was founded in 1825 from their main office in Portsmouth.

The Naval Children’s Charity organisation aids thousands annually through crisis grants.

Princess Anne

The Princess Royal was fulfilling a role she inherited from the late Queen Elizabeth

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PA

These support young people through circumstances like illness or disability, mental health challenges and wellbeing resources.

It also provides educational opportunities via their Life Chances Programme.

Anne’s Portsmouth engagement formed part of an exceptionally busy Wednesday schedule that saw the Princess Royal complete four separate appearances throughout southern England.