Zara Tindall opens up on Princess Anne's 'most annoying' habit - and brother Peter agrees

Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips have opened up about the 'most annoying' habit of their mum, Princess Anne. Known for her straight-talking approach, tireless work ethic, and steadfast dedication to duty, Anne raised her children without royal titles, fostering an upbringing grounded in normality.

A tribute was paid by Zara and Peter - children of Anne and her first husband Captain Mark Phillips - during a 2020 interview held for her 70th year celebration. During this chat, they humorously revealed their apprehension in asking her to take it easy, while also sharing about a particular trait that they find "annoying".

In conversation alongside her elder brother, Zara - now celebrating her own 43rd birthday today (Wednesday)- commented: "She's like a sponge, it's unbelievable, the information that's stored in her brain. It's incredible. Quite annoying, as well."

Reacting promptly, Peter concurred: "It is quite annoying, yes!".

The siblings proceeded with discussing their children and how much they relish leaving them in the care of their mother, reports the Mirror.

"We quite like leaving them on Sundays. We'll say 'We'll pick them up later, bye'," Zara quipped in a candid chat, speaking of her beloved mother's fondness for spending time with her grandchildren. Peter chimed in: "She loves seeing them ride, she loves having them around for Sunday lunches, doing all the sorts of stuff we used to do as kids. She now takes them to do this sort of thing,".

Historically, royal titles have been passed down through male lineage, a tradition that was not altered even for Princess Anne, the only daughter of the late Queen and Prince Philip.

Under the regulations, fathers in the direct line of succession are the sole bearers who can pass on their titles, paving the way for individuals such as Beatrice and Eugenie, children of Prince Andrew, to be officially recognised as princes or princesses.