stroud, united kingdom march 26: (embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 48 hours after create date and time) princess anne, the princess royal drives granddaughter mia tindall around the gatcombe horse trials at gatcombe park on march 26, 2017 in stroud, england. (photo by max mumby/indigo/getty images)

She showcased her trademark humour with a joke.

Princess Anne might be The Princess Royal to us, but she’s also grandmother to five little – and not-so-little – ones aged between four and 14. And, during a poignant visit to a children’s charity on Wednesday (24 September), she shared a rare insight into her grandchildren’s lives behind the scenes, as she revealed a hobby they all share.

The Princess Royal was spending time with The Naval Children’s Charity, of which she is patron, to celebrate its 200th anniversary. There’s also a personal connection behind Princess Anne’s appointment to the charity, as her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was patron from 1945 until her passing. Princess Anne has since taken up the mantle, to continue the late Queen’s support.

portsmouth, england september 24: princess anne, princess royal, patron of the naval childrens charity, is presented with a gift during a visit to celebrate the charitys 200th anniversary, on september 24, 2025 in portsmouth, england. this is princess annes first visit to the charity since becoming patron, following 70 years of patronage by queen elizabeth ii. (photo by ben birchall wpa pool/getty images)

WPA Pool

During her visit, The Princess showcased some of her trademark wit, as she joked with a member of staff and revealed a hobby she says all of her grandchildren share. When the team held up a children’s apron, Princess Anne joked, ‘Yes, I don’t think that’s going to fit me!’ The Princess then added, ‘It might fit my grandchildren – they all cook, actually.’

Princess Anne has two children – Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips – and five grandchildren: Savannah Phillips, 14, Isla Phillips, 13, Mia Tindall, 11, Lena Tindall, seven, and Lucas Tindall, four.

stroud, united kingdom august 03: (embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 24 hours after create date and time) princess anne, princess royal and granddaughters isla phillips, mia tindall and savannah phillips attend day 2 of the 2019 festival of british eventing at gatcombe park on august 3, 2019 in stroud, england. (photo by max mumby/indigo/getty images)

Max Mumby/Indigo
Princess Anne with her granddaughters Mia Tindall, Isla Phillips and Savannah Phillips in 2019.

stroud, united kingdom september 12: (embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 48 hours after create date and time) princess anne, the princess royal carries her granddaughter mia tindall as she attends day 2 of the whatley manor international horse trials at gatcombe park on september 12, 2015 in stroud, england. (photo by max mumby/indigo/getty images)
Max Mumby/Indigo
Princess Anne with Mia Tindall in 2015.

princess anne, the princess royal kisses granddaughter mia tindall as they watch zara phillips play in a jockeys vs olympians charity polo match at the beaufort polo club on june 19, 2016 in tetbury, england. (photo by max mumby/indigo/getty images)
Max Mumby/Indigo
Princess Anne with eldest granddaughter Mia again in 2016.

The Royal Family shared details of The Princess Royal’s visit on Instagram, including photographs from the day. They explained that, every year, The Naval Children’s Charity ‘supports several thousand young people from Naval families focussing on supporting children’s wellbeing and development’.

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They added that this was Princess Anne’s first visit to the organisation since she had become its patron.