Royal engagements are usually marked by protocol and poise—but once in a while, they include a bit of unexpected chaos. That was certainly the case at a formal event where Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, reportedly found herself on the receiving end of a rather unfortunate tea spill.
A Comedian’s Awkward Confession
British comedian Daniel Foxx recently shared a surprising and rather cringe-worthy memory during an appearance on the podcast Where There’s a Will There’s a Wake, hosted by Mel Giedroyc. As he recounted the story, it was clear that the moment left quite an impression on him—and not just because it involved royalty.
“I burned Princess Anne once,” he admitted, wincing at the memory.
At the time, Foxx was working as a waiter at what he described as a “very fancy” event. While carrying a pot of hot tea, a quick turn led to disaster: the scalding liquid accidentally spilled down the back of Princess Anne’s bare legs.
Her reaction? Completely understandable.
“She leapt into the air, screamed, turned around,” he said, describing it as a moment of sheer panic. He even hinted that the royal may have let out a not-so-royal word in shock.
A Surprising Display of Royal Composure
Though the moment could have ended in embarrassment or anger, what happened next was unexpectedly gracious. Foxx immediately apologized, but before things could escalate, another guest stepped in—claiming responsibility, despite having nothing to do with the incident.
“He thought he’d bumped into me,” Foxx recalled. “He hadn’t—but he took the blame anyway.”
Trying to play down the situation, the comedian reportedly said, “It’s just water.” To which Princess Anne dryly replied, “Yes, well, it was rather warm.”
Her calm and measured response, despite the discomfort, earned her even more admiration from Foxx and listeners alike.
Supporting Charities and Family
Beyond unexpected tea spills, Princess Anne continues to show her enduring commitment to public service. Ahead of her 75th birthday, she hosted representatives from 100 charities at Buckingham Palace—a gathering that highlighted her decades of patronage and hands-on involvement.
During her speech, she expressed deep gratitude for the work these organizations do and made sure to acknowledge her brother, King Charles, saying:
“We’re very fortunate His Majesty allowed us to use Buckingham Palace for this event… I need to say that!”
She closed the event with a heartfelt message:
“Respect and responsibility—that’s what makes you so important. Thank you for what you do.”
Looking Ahead: Trooping the Colour
In more recent news, Princess Anne is set to participate in Trooping the Colour this Saturday (June 14). Notably, she’ll be on horseback—a significant milestone following a head injury she sustained last year during a riding incident.
While King Charles will be present at the event, he won’t be on horseback this year due to his ongoing cancer treatment. Princess Anne’s return to horseback riding in a public setting will undoubtedly be seen as a symbol of her resilience and dedication.
Final Thoughts
From accidental spills to royal ceremonies, Princess Anne continues to demonstrate why she remains one of the most respected members of the Royal Family. With grace under pressure and a sharp sense of humor, she reminds us that even royals aren’t immune to life’s little surprises—and that how you respond makes all the difference.