Following the birth of Prince William in 1982, Princess Anne reportedly responded with a blunt six-word remark that left royal fans stunned. When asked by reporters about her new nephew, she coolly replied: "I didn't know she [Diana] had one." Asked if she thought too much fuss was being made, she added: "Yes."
At the time, a Palace insider told the Daily Express that Anne, known for her hardworking approach, was feeling additional pressures. "Anne works very hard and sees her sister-in-law picking up the glory. She's sick to her back teeth with it all," the insider revealed.
The reportedly difficult relationship between the two princesses was explored in season four of Netflix's The Crown, where Anne laments that Diana's charity work received far more press attention than her own. Royal author Richard Kay explained: "Princess Anne had no time for Diana. She didn't like the way she went about her duty and the way she used the cameras and the media to promote herself."
Despite early tensions, Prince William now enjoys a close relationship with his aunt. However, he has recalled her 'terrifying' competitive side during childhood holidays in Scotland, when she would race him around Balmoral rather than let him win.
