Knife-wielding Princess Anne has branded not eating cake "legalised vandalism" as she cut out slices during today's engagement.
The Princess Royal, who is known for her dry humour reminiscent of Prince Philip, visited Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre in London today.
Princess Anne, who is Vice Patron of the British Horse Society, was celebrating the pony club's 35th anniversary.
She was presented with a birthday cake to help celebrate the club's anniversary, to which the princess said: "I hope you’ve all had a chance to see this cake because it really is stunning.
Princess Anne visited a pony club in west London today
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"The instructions on it are you will eat it if I cut it," she said, whilst laughing and holding a knife.
Princess Anne added: "Because otherwise it’s just legalised vandalism. Enjoy the cake."
Her visit to the club was a rare chance for royal fans to see Princess Anne in action.
The Princess Royal, 73, normally prefers to work under the radar and allow others in her family to enjoy the media coverage.
Princess Anne is known for her dry sense of humour
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The Royal Family currently face a shortage of working royals with the King undergoing cancer treatment and recovering from prostate surgery, and Kate recuperating from major abdominal surgery.
Prince William is also performing limited engagements as he is at home in Windsor looking after his wife and children.
Buckingham Palace did, however, offer media representatives an opportunity to cover Princess Anne's engagement in the capital today.
Anne met young riders from west London and chatted with BHS staff and supporters of the centre.
Princess Anne is Vice Patron of the British Horse Society
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Princess Anne thanked the club's owners for sending their good wishes to the King and Kate
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The princess, who also visited 10 years ago to mark the centre’s 25th anniversary, nodded and smiled in acknowledgement when her hosts offered their best wishes to the King and Kate.
Sister Mary Joy Langdon, founder and chief executive of the centre, told her: "We wish you and your family well at this time."
James Hick, chief executive of the BHS, echoed her thoughts, saying: "On behalf of all of us here I would also like to pass on our sincere thoughts to His Majesty the King at this time and to your family."
After the visit, he said about Anne: "I think she is always very grateful for our concerns and thoughts for her.
"She's somebody who's quite private with her thoughts as well, but equally, she was grateful for all of us, and feels that love that we have for the family at a very important time."
