Princess Anne completed her first royal tour of 2025 this week as she jetted off alone to South Africa for a brief visit.

The Princess Royal travelled without her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, due to him recovering from a suspected torn ligament.

Anne has carried out a series of engagements during her visit, which included commemorating the sacrifices of black South Africans and other races who played a vital role as military labourers during the First World War.

Whilst spending time with young horse riders the 74-year-old was quizzed on her lifelong love of horses and equestrianism, here she made a hilarious five word remark when asked about how many ponies she has.

The Princess spoke to young horseriders as she toured the South African Riding for the Disabled Association, presented rosettes to the young riders after a lesson and chatted to the volunteers that accompany the children whenever they are in the saddle.

When being handed his prize Lashwil, 11, asked the princess: “How many ponies do you have?”

Anne replied with a smile and jokingly said: “More than I should have” adding there was “one I do ride”.

Despite her injuries over the years, nothing has ever been able to come between the late Queen’s daughter and her love of equestrian endeavours.

Princess Anne’s famous love of horses began in childhood and has continued throughout her life, she was the first British Royal to have competed in the Olympic Games.

Anne’s own daughter, Zara Tindall, also followed in her mother and late grandmother’s footsteps with the passions and has since professionally competed, including at the London 2012 Olympics.

Photographs of Princess Anne’s royal tour were shared on the official Royal Family social media channels yesterday, with fans all quick to comment on how hard-working the King’s sister is.

One person wrote: “I really admire The Princess Royal. Her Royal Highness is always working. She’s such an important member of the Royal Family.”

Last year the Princess was once again crowned the hardest-working Royal, she has been topping the number of royal engagements undertaken annually for four years now.