Princess Anne was observed foregoing champagne and cocktails in favor of a more modest beverage while attending the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday afternoon. The Princess Royal, who had recently returned from a five-day diplomatic tour of Asia, was dressed in a cream-colored hat and blazer with a teal jacquard dress and a pearl necklace.
Accompanied by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, the couple watched the horse race. During the event, Princess Anne was seen taking sips from a glass tumbler.
Princess Anne is known to be teetotal and abstains from alcohol during official engagements and her daily routine, often opting for Earl Grey tea or other caffeinated beverages to maintain energy for her demanding schedule. Her former private secretary, Captain Sir Nicholas Wright RN, previously confirmed her abstinence from alcohol in an interview for ITV's documentary "Anne: The Princess Royal at 70."
This choice contrasts with other members of the Royal Family's reported drinking habits. Princess Anne's late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was said to enjoy a gin and Dubonnet cocktail before lunch and a glass of champagne in the evening. Her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, also reportedly consumed the same pre-lunch cocktail, followed by a gin martini and vintage champagne in the evenings. King Charles is said to favor a gin and dry vermouth martini, while Prince William has been known to drink whisky, cider, and beer.
The race itself saw Kalpana emerge victorious, defeating the favored horse, Calandagan.
