A body language expert has revealed how the famously stoic Princess Royal, often dubbed the 'tungsten' member of the family, visibly softens and becomes 'just like any other mum' when interacting with her fun-loving daughter, Zara Tindall.
The Royal Ascot Moment That Delighted Fans
The analysis centres on an unearthed clip from Royal Ascot in June 2023, which captured a comical and rare interaction between mother and daughter. The footage shows Princess Anne, seemingly trying to locate someone in the crowd, wandering over to Zara for assistance. However, Zara was deeply engaged in conversation and failed to notice her mother's approach.
Expert Judi James, speaking to the Daily Mail, noted that Zara had her 'hat brim pulled down over the right side of her face', perhaps obscuring her view of her mother's 'authoritative' pointing gesture. Undeterred, Anne then gave her daughter a tentative tap on the arm, which was also ignored as Zara continued chatting.
'It's the way Anne is forced to go back for a double tap on Zara’s arm that looks amusing from a woman who is normally never ignored and who can often be seen as intimidating,' Ms James observed. The moment highlighted a role reversal, where the Princess Royal had to 'wait her turn like any other mum'.
A Glimpse Behind the 'Tungsten' Exterior
This hilarious episode provided onlookers with a precious glimpse of Anne's warmer, more playful side. According to James, the Princess Royal appeared to 'drop her carefully-curated veneer' of formality, allowing her 'maternal, tactile' nature to shine through her 'almost military exterior'.
The expert drew a sharp contrast between Anne, described as 'the most formal and least emotionally-giving royal', and her daughter Zara, who is famously uninhibited and publicly affectionate with her husband, Mike Tindall. James suggested this freedom stems from Anne's deliberate decision to refuse HRH titles for her children, giving Zara 'the freedom to be openly expressive, free-wheeling and fun-loving in a way that she has never been'.
A Bond Forged in Gold-Medal Emotion
This is not the first instance where Zara has prompted her mother to reveal a softer side. Archival footage from 20 years ago at the European Championships in Blenheim Palace captured an emotional hug between the pair after Zara won a gold medal in equestrian eventing.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams recalled that, until that moment, Princess Anne was widely perceived as 'severe and imperious'. The 'sheer, undiluted joy' of their public embrace was 'a delight to watch' and significantly softened the Princess Royal's public image, showing 'pleasure unalloyed'.
Given the strength and visibility of their bond, there have been increasing calls from commentators for Zara to take on a more prominent role within the royal family. Daily Mail Diary Editor Richard Eden has expressed a strong desire for Zara to 'take on more public duties in the future', suggesting she could be a 'huge help' to Prince William as he looks to modernise the monarchy.
The enduring image from Ascot, therefore, is more than just a funny family moment. It is a testament to a unique mother-daughter relationship that occasionally allows the public to see the real woman behind the disciplined royal persona, reminding us that even the most 'tungsten' of figures has a tender, maternal core.
