The royal family's general motto is thought to be: 'Never complain, never explain', so it's very rare that fans get to peek behind the curtains to see what life is really like when it's not curated for public consumption.
Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer was the latest person to share his account of the private personalities of the royals, including Princess Anne, in his book Swan Song: My Sister. After claiming that the Princess Royal made him feel "small" with her "withering" response about Zara Tindall's christening at a Buckingham Palace dinner party, former royal chef Darren McGrady has weighed in on Anne's no-nonsense wit.
Darren worked for Queen Elizabeth for 11 years and Princess Diana and her two sons for four years, and has not shied away from commenting on the royals over recent months. Referring to Charles' latest claims, he said the recollection of Anne "tickles me" and described the royal as "her father’s daughter."
© GettySpeaking of his own experience, he added: "Reminds me of when I flew back from Balmoral with her on the Queen’s flight. As we disembarked, an official asked her, 'How was your flight?' She replied, 'Have you ever flown before? It was like that!'"
© Instagram / @charles.earl.spencerPrincess Anne's personality compared to her father Prince Philip
HELLO!'s Royal Editor Emily Nash echoed Darren's evaluation of Princess Anne, stating that her down-to-earth and "unstuffy" approach echoes that of her late father.
"It's rare to cover one of the Princess Royal's engagements in person. She famously abhors fuss of any kind and prefers to go about her business without a press pack following her every move," Emily added.
Darren McGrady weighing in on royal debates
© GettyAnne is not the only royal who has been under the spotlight recently. Darren has also weighed in on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's relocation from Montecito in America to the countryside in England with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
When questions were raised about the motivation behind Harry and Meghan's move, Darren McGrady seemingly confirmed reports that Harry is making a film about his late mother to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her death next year.
Initial reports of the alleged project came from the Daily Mail's Richard Kay, and the chef later revealed there "was a film crew" at the Althorp Estate, where Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, lives.
Days later, after a letter was released on King Charles' behalf to clarify Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal status, the couple reportedly took issue with being considered private citizens, and would prefer the term "public figures".
Harry's former chef responded publicly to the reports, writing on Instagram: "Private Citizens - definition… Everyday individuals who do not seek fame or involvement in public controversies. Public Figures - definition… politicians, celebrities and people who voluntarily enter public debates. Worried yet?"
