The Princess of Wales has revealed her favourite household chore is washing up, telling a fellow diner at a village lunch that she “really” enjoys it.
Catherine made the comment while sitting alongside 75-year-old Linda Jones during a weekly lunch in Pulborough, West Sussex, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Around 50 people were enjoying red pepper and sweet potato soup with bread, cheese and crisps.
A royal revelation at the lunch table
Chatting at the table, Catherine said: “What a lovely way to make friends.” She then told Mrs Jones: “I love washing up. I really do.”
Asked whether the Prince of Wales helps out, the princess revealed: “He does the drying. We are a good double act. And we get the children involved.”
Arriving by minibus and meeting locals
The princess arrived at the venue on a minibus service that has been running for 50 years, after collecting some of the diners from neighbouring streets. Earlier, she was very hands-on when the West Sussex Minibus Service collected Stella Drewett, 94, for lunch, putting a comforting hand on her arm as she left home using a walking frame, and offering a steadying hand as she climbed into the vehicle.
When the princess asked about her trips out for lunch, Ms Drewett quipped that they meant “one day of not cooking”.
Word spreads in the village
Word had spread about the royal visitor in the village, and her route to the car taking her home was lined with charity workers, mothers with toddlers and passers-by. Catherine played a jumping game with two little boys, Arthur, aged three, and his one-year-old brother Albie, who jumped off the kerb with extravagant abandon as their mother, Thea Botley, 25, watched.
The princess held Albie’s hand as he repeatedly jumped, and Ms Botley said afterwards: “He doesn’t really like people holding his hand, so I was quite shocked when he took her hand.” Mrs Jones added that Catherine had asked for some crisps, which she let her have, noting they were ready-salted, crinkle-cut, and that the princess “was a natural”.
