Princess Anne reportedly stormed out of a private royal gathering after overhearing Queen Camilla making what was described as a "disrespectful" comment about the late Princess Diana’s legacy.
The incident has reignited long-standing tensions within the royal family and reminded royal observers that, even decades after Diana's passing, her memory remains a deeply emotional subject — especially among those who were closest to her.
According to sources close to the royal household, the encounter took place during an informal meeting at Clarence House earlier this month. Senior members of the royal family were gathered to discuss upcoming public engagements and the ongoing reshaping of the monarchy’s image in the wake of various personal and public challenges.
During a casual conversation that turned toward the topic of public perception and media comparisons between Diana and current royal figures, Camilla allegedly remarked that Diana’s legacy had been “romanticized” and that her influence on the royal family had been “overrated and damaging at times.”
The comment reportedly stunned those in the room — none more so than Princess Anne, Diana’s former sister-in-law and one of the most respected and duty-driven members of the monarchy. Witnesses claim Anne stood up immediately and responded sharply, defending Diana’s memory and contributions.
“She was beloved for a reason,” Anne reportedly said. “She connected with the public in a way none of us ever did — and certainly not through spin.”
Sources say Queen Camilla attempted to downplay the remark, insisting she meant no offense and was merely commenting on how Diana is portrayed by the media today. But the damage had been done. Princess Anne, clearly outraged, reportedly left the meeting abruptly, saying she “would not be part of any conversation that disrespects Diana’s memory.”
The palace has neither confirmed nor denied the alleged incident, maintaining its standard silence on internal family matters. However, insiders suggest that tensions between Anne and Camilla have quietly simmered for years, particularly around the topic of Diana and her treatment by the royal family during her marriage to then-Prince Charles.