How Princess Anne’s first royal tour of Australia as a ‘solemn but enchanting’ teenager in 1970 thrust her into the spotlight

‘It is when Princess Anne is happily talking she will smile, at ease, snowing her lovely teeth, and with her blue eyes lighting up beneath those dark flickering lashes. At ease herself, she makes it easy for everyone she meets,’ Matheson wrote. ‘That is why those who have spoken to Princess Anne find her enchanting while those who see only TV shots, photographers’ pictures, and formal close-ups don’t know what to make of her.’

The author also observes how the Princess succeeded in treading the difficult line between supporting and upstaging the Queen. Matheson continued, ‘I would say she has managed by adding her own sparkle to the royal visit, yet never showing the slightest precocity; not attracting too much attention when the Queen is there, yet not staying too much in the background.’

These words describing Princess Anne’s character ring true today, with the Princess Royal still known for her no-nonsense approach and desire for directness.

With so much negative attention swirling around the royal family following the stripping of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s titles, Princess Anne will no doubt be hoping that her refreshing candour and undeniable charm will be enough to distract – and once again win over crowds Down Under.