Princess Anne has described the modern royal walkabout custom of shaking hands with well-wishers as "absurd", reflecting on how the practice has changed over her decades of service.
In the ITV documentary Queen of the World, the Princess Royal, now aged 76, said that royals "never shook hands" in years gone by, and that the tradition of greeting people in this way is a newer addition to royal engagements.
A change from royal tradition
Anne explained that the original reasoning behind not shaking hands was practical, saying: "The theory was that you couldn't shake hands with everybody, so don't start."
She added: "So I kind of stick with that, but I noticed others don't." Younger generations of royals, such as Prince William and Princess Catherine, are often seen shaking hands with members of the public.
The princess said she does not think the practice is practical, adding: "I think the initial concept was that it was patently absurd to start shaking hands. And it seems to me that it's become a shaking hands exercise rather than a walkabout, if you see what I mean—so that has changed."
Selfies and smartphones at engagements
The walkabout is not the only newer aspect of royal visits that Anne disagrees with. Selfies are also not a priority for her, according to InStyle.
She said: "I'm glad I'm not starting now, because at least you [previously] had people to talk to—now you don't, really. Phones are bad enough, but the iPads—you can't even see their heads! You don't know who you're talking to."
She added: "I either don't bother, or I say, 'Look, if you want to meet us, I suggest you put that down.'"
Anne explained: "It is weird, as people don't believe that they've experienced the event unless they've taken photographs. And usually you're standing immediately in front of them."
Princess Anne is one of the most popular members of the Royal Family and regularly draws large crowds hoping to catch a glimpse of her. She is known as one of the members of The Firm who carry out the most royal engagements each year.
