In a delightful glimpse into royal family dynamics, Princess Anne‘s reaction to her daughter Zara Tyndall’s tongue piercing back in 1998 has resurfaced, bringing smiles and chuckles from fans of the monarchy.
This amusing episode highlights just how relatable and down-to-earth the royals can be, especially when it comes to the rebellious nature of teenagers.
Zara, who was only 17 at the time, made headlines when she decided to pierce her tongue while attending Gordonstoun, the prestigious Scottish boarding school known for educating several members of the royal family.
Her bold move was a classic teenage rebellion, and it resonated with parents everywhere who could relate to their own kids pushing boundaries.
The moment of revelation came during a family gathering for her uncle King Charles‘s 50th birthday celebration.
Zara proudly displayed her new silver stud, and you can only imagine the scene as she turned to show her mother, Princess Anne.
The Princess Royal’s response was characteristically straightforward, embodying her no-nonsense attitude.
In a candid interview with Tatler magazine years later, Zara recounted her mother’s reaction.
“At least I didn’t have it coming out of my nose or anything,” she quipped, showcasing her humor and the lighthearted nature of their exchange.
It seems that Princess Anne was more curious than shocked, asking her daughter if she could still speak properly with the piercing.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold shared his own memories of that era, recalling how Zara’s piercing made quite an impression on him.
“She was the very first royal I met,” he reminisced.
“It was really exciting because I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve seen it,’ when I suddenly noticed the piercing while she was talking to us.”
His recollection adds a personal touch to the story, illustrating how Zara’s rebellious spirit captivated those around her.
Fast forward to the present, and Princess Anne is currently recuperating from a recent incident at her Gloucestershire estate, Gatcombe Park.
Reports indicate that a horse may have kicked or head-butted her, resulting in minor injuries and a concussion.
Thankfully, her condition appears to be stable.
A statement from Buckingham Palace reassured the public, stating, “Her Royal Highness is anticipated to recover fully and quickly and is being observed in Southmead Hospital in Bristol as a precaution.” The royal family, including King Charles, has been kept informed and has sent their best wishes for a swift recovery.
Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence, Anne’s husband, provided an update after visiting her in the hospital.